** spoiler alert ** 
 I really enjoyed this book, though it took me a while to finish it because of craziness at work. The way that the three story lines are woven together is an interesting and illuminating approach to understand the characters, particularly Iris, the main character. 
 Seeing Iris emerge through the course of the book is quite amazing - she is in many ways surrounded by larger "personalities" and often seems somewhat wan by comparison. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that she can hold her own in the personality department and her life is as "big" as the other characters. She has regrets and yet does not dwell on making excuses - she is not self-righteous, but generally accepts her mistakes and shortcomings. She wants to explain and set the record straight, at least from her perspective. In many ways, she has lived a quiet and unhappy life and yet has found and appreciated her times of happiness and fulfillment. She is an interesting character. 
 Maybe because I too am shy and not very social, Iris resonated with me. I also could see people I know in the other characters of the book. Laura, Richard, Alex and Winifred remind me of people I have known. They are challenging and sometimes exhausting! I understand that feeling of walking on eggshells to avoid setting someone off. 
 Perhaps I found Iris particularly engaging because in her older years she somewhat reminds me of my mother, who is getting on in years. Both are looking back over their lives and seeing their own actions in a new light - wanting to explain their choices and decisions. And hoping people will look kindly upon them and be understanding. 
 I think this would have been 5/5 had I been able to read it without interruption, but for now, 4.5/5.