Run is a beautifully crafted, if slightly flawed, gem.

What makes a family? The myriad ways in which Patchett’s characters are related to one another are methodically explored… common blood, common loves, common ideals. The worlds of privilege and poverty, existing side-by-side yet virtually invisible to one another, can be drawn together by these common threads, enriching those who are linked by them.

These are lovely themes, and certainly give Patchett at lot to work with, but the story never soared for me… the lush lyricism of Bel Canto just didn’t come through here. Still, I found Run to be a pleasant, quick read, with a satisfying if slightly predictable denouement.