The Companions and The Margarets, Tepper. Yes. I read these two books in rapid succession, the first Tepper I had read in a long time, and there’s a reassuring consistency to her preaching. Since I am largely the choir, it doesn’t grate as much as it might, and her writing is solid enough. I was interested to note that her craft is not entirely without seam, though the primary reason I first noted the most memorable seam was that she hung a lamp on it (and a somewhat humorous lamp, at that; due credit), and exposition is always tricky. I have opted to combine the reviews, because I have trouble keeping the books separate in my head. I was thinking maybe I’d say something like, “If you only want to read one, then choose—” but, really, I expect if you enjoy Tepper, you’ll enjoy both. If you don’t, you won’t enjoy either.