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2.8 stars.

The only way I can describe this reading experience is comparing it to a dynamic with a toxic ex. It was almost as if Nathan knew RIGHT when I'd determined it was too laborious to continue, he'd sprinkle in some compelling plot to keep me hanging on, then shortly return to the same indulgent, never ending description of some prairie. And thus continued the cycle of "should I stay or should I go" that endured for the first 60% of the book.
If this hadn't been a Book Club selection, I would have surely abandoned it within the first 50 pages.

HOWEVER- the last 40ish% began to redeem the read for me. I really appreciated and enjoyed the psychological commentary, analysis, and eventual self-reflection journey that Elizabeth and Jack took. In the end, I was moved by the intention of the story and the unique way Nathan wove together vignettes of Jack and Elizabeth's personal history with their current day realities.

There were several profound lines worthy of a highlight, which certainly cannot be said for most books I read- ha!
All in all, had this book been half the length, it would likely reign as a deeply meaningful read- but the often agonous descriptions kept my overall enjoyment at bay.