There have been very mixed reviews about this book. Lisa Hill gives it a caning, and she would be much more insightful & thoughtful than me, so I suspect most rigorous reviewers will line up on her side, but I liked it. I was somewhat daunted by the 600 page length before I started, but in the end I didn't have any trouble finishing it. Actually, the line spacing is quite large and it could have easily been packed into a much smaller volume.

On reflection, I wonder if there's a significant gender effect in the way the book doesn't appeal to some. It is very much written from the point of view of an old man who has been rather careless with relationships at times. Women might feel angry about that. I identify with the author.

About half way through the protagonist says to himself:

"Old age unseals the buried memories of our past and refuses to allow us to forget. In old age those things we refused to think about in our youth because they were too uncomfortable come out of the grave and stand before us and demand their right to a place in the story of our lives.....In old age, with death closing in upon us, we lose our power over these troubling memories and they command us. The tables are turned. Deal with me now, or go to your grave unshriven! That is the choice we are given."

It seems to me that is what this book is about. Miller is facing death and feels forced to face his past. I'm a little of that mind myself. He really wasn't very good at relationships. I understand that. and I think it's more a male situation than a female one. Your mileage may differ. ( )

Did I do that? Rate a book by Alex Miller with just two stars?
Yes, I did, and it pains me to do it.
See my post at ANZ LitLovers to see why: https://anzlitlovers.com/2017/12/01/the-passage-of-love-by-alex-miller/ ( )