I'm now reading this gorgeous novel for the third time--slowly, to savour every nuance and phrase. Don't be discouraged by the slow start; once you get to know the rich cast of characters, and familiarize yourself with Shirley Hazzard's chiseled yet challenging prose (not one word out of place), you won't want this tale to end. Transit of Venus is one of those rare novels that seem to contain the entire life cycle of everyone you know, including yourself. It's about love, time, change, loss...all the great themes. Just make sure you give yourself time to enjoy it.