Set on the high ground at the heart of Cape Ann, the village of Dogtown is peopled by widows, orphans, spinsters, scoundrels, whores, free Africans, and "witches." Among the inhabitants of this hamlet are Black Ruth, who dresses as a man and works as a stonemason; Mrs. Stanley, an imperious madam whose grandson, Sammy, comes of age in her brothel; Oliver Younger, who survives a miserable childhood at the hands of his aunt; and Cornelius Finson, a freed slave. At the center of it all is Judy Rhines, a fiercely independent soul, deeply lonely, who nonetheless builds a life for herself against all imaginable odds.

Rendered in stunning, haunting detail, with Diamant's keen ear for language and profound compassion for her characters, The Last Days of Dogtown is an extraordinary retelling of a long-forgotten chapter of early American life.

Could not put it down! Anita Diamant's "The Last Days of Dogtown," like "The Red Tent," is a chick book (although my husband also likes them), but extremely well written and researched. Diamant's fluid and lovely writing style, historical perspective, thoughtful observations, action, and the interaction between characters is gripping. Who would have thought a story (inspired by an actual place and history) about poverty and decline would be so fascinating and uplifting!! It did not have the happily ever after ending I'd secretly hoped for, but then life is rarely like that (and the ending was very appropriate and satisfying).

Three stars only because Diamant is a superb writer, because of the brave love story concepts and well-fleshed out characters, and because the concept itself of the dying town seems like it would be a nice one. But none of this can overcome the fact that this novel is incredibly boring and forgettable. I gave it away the second I finished it. You won't finish the book screaming for the lost hours of your life back or anything, but if you never read it, you aren't missing anything. Sorry, Anita... I love you, and valiant effort, but DULL, DULL, DULL!

Anita Diamant's The Red Tent is one of my all time favorites, I recommend it often. But her books The Last Days of Dogtown & Good Harbor are no where near the same quality. Both were very forgettable.

Dogtown, where people are destitute and unfortunate, or so it seems. We meet lots of characters from Dogtown, each with their own problems and dilemmas. We read how they survive and some even form friendships or find love. There isn't much I can say from all the other reviews that have been written.

However, I can say that I did enjoy this read. At times it plodded along, but I stuck with it, hoping to find out what happens to Sammy, Black Ruth, Cornelius, Judy, Polly and more.

You will want to know, so add this book to your library too!

I absolutely loved The Red Tent so I bought this book as well. It was an entertaining and easy-to-read book. I would buy another Anita Diamant book after enjoying the other two.