Taken In

by Beverly Coyle

The entrance of a runaway and sometimes prostitute into the life of a Florida suburban family leads to murder, shocking marital revelations, and strange new alliances, in a dramatic novel by a critically acclaimed Southern writer. Reprint.

Genres: Fiction

Paperback

First published July 1, 1998

Reviews

[Jane Gabin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very sensitive, but plodding, story about a director of admissions at a small unnamed college in Florida. When I first got the book, I mistakenly thought the title was “Taken,” and in the world of college admissions, in which I worked, this is the desired goal. But it’s really “Taken In” which could be accepted, or given shelter, or fooled. Set in a cozy college town, the book is a look at the quiet world where it starts - but everything and everyone is caught up in a storm of violence. Characters are transformed, but slowly, into better versions of themselves. Malcolm, the admissions director, “was pretty pumped up.” This describes him at a crucial point. “Pretty pumped up” just doesn’t convey excitement. The tale in its overall arc is a solid one; it just takes too long and overthinks every move.

[Joel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wonder when it became so hard to find a good book to read? Is it as hard for everybody as it is for me? Finished with the great authors; W. Somerset Maugham, J.R.R. Tolkien, Ayn Rand, Pearl S. Buck - etc. I embark upon a search for inspiration. I wonder if others have the same trouble I do? This book is a classic - well received when it was released; but I couldn't come to care about any of the characters. The murder of the wife and mother didn't even phase me. Alas - I can't even come up with a clever review of this novel, except to say it focuses on a father's bizarre concern that his son turned religious - which is really not anything to worry about; and it somehow manages to amble along for 300 pages without ever causing the slightest consternation or concern or impression or inspiration.

Inspiration - that's what I need; I wonder where I'll find it. Any thoughts are welcome.

[FSU Alumni]

Beverly Coyle (B.A. '68)