2.5 stars I guess? I'm almost inclined to give it 3 because of the beautiful writing and the fact that the second half of the novel was a bit more interesting, but I almost didn't get to that second half. This was very close to a DNF for me and I *hate* not finishing books. 
 The top reviewer Emily May explains this book perfectly, so go check out her review if you want more detail. I'm just anxious to finish Paula McLain's Circling The Sun, which I LOVE but had to put on hiatus in order to get to this one in time for my job's book club.