The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

I really enjoyed this novel about a young boy growing up without a stable family after the tragic death of his mother.  The characters in this book are really engrossing and very realistic, which makes it easy to be drawn in to their lives.  The story is captivating and unusual and although slow in places maintains the readers interest, particularly as the writing itself is easy to read but very rich.   This is not a quick read but the pace of the plot prevents this from ever becoming boring.   Definitely recommended.