All He Ever Wanted, (Paperback)

from CatieN

This is a story of obsession told from the viewpoint of the man who is obsessed. Set in the early 1900s, the times and the complete lack of rights for women play an important role in this book. Nicholas Van Tassel, after escaping from a hotel fire, happens to catch a glimpse of Etna Bliss. She is...

from bohemima

This is one of my favorite books by Shreve. For a while I read her work compulsively, whether or not I liked the plotlines or outcomes. Here the writing is reminiscent of Edith Wharton, the ending is not a deus ex machina concoction, and her character development is excellent. Of all the modern a...

from bearette24

I had mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, it was a gripping look at obsession. On the other hand, it was a lot of time to spend with a really unlikable narrator. Still, I have to give it four stars for Shreve's magnificent control of the language and ability to generate suspense.

from bearette24

I had mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, it was a gripping look at obsession. On the other hand, it was a lot of time to spend with a really unlikable narrator. Still, I have to give it four stars for Shreve's magnificent control of the language and ability to generate suspense.

from LibraryCin

3.5 stars In 1900, when Nicholas van Tassel meets Etna Bliss, he falls head over heals in love. Though she admits to not loving him, she agrees to marry him, anyway. Nicholas is looking back on his life with Etna long after she is gone. Nicholas is an academic and sounds very snooty. I'm not sure...