This final novel by Belva Plain was bittersweet. She must have known she was nearing the end of her life as she wrote this book as a wrap up to her first (and finest, in my humble opinion) novel, "Evergreen". The book was set in the 1970's and early 80's and was a very easy and quick read involving Iris (daughter of Anna in "Evergreen") and her daughter, Laura. It was about love, and life, and family - all things that Belva Plain was known for in her novels. It wasn't exactly riveting, but still, it's a MUST READ for all of Belva Plain's fans, like myself.
An enjoyable story about a family and its ups and downs as all of Belva Plain's books are. The main characters fits the mold of the "good girl" - the woman who spends most of her life doing the right thing and thinking of others while not necessarily making the right choice for her - and all of the pressure, guilt, and sadness that goes along with it. By the end of the book, she finally gets to the point of making the right choice for her.
I've been reading Belva Plain since I was a teenager and I've loved many of her books including PROMISES, LEGACY OF SILENCE, LOOKING BACK and others. I wish I could say the same for HEARTWOOD.
What a disappointment. The book started off with Belva's lovely style of making you feel you know the family members well and could cozy up with the book for a good read...but it doesn't take long before Laura and Iris are grating on your nerves far too much with their stupidity regarding a woman's role in a marriage. I mean, after all, the story is set in the late 70's/early 80's, not the dark ages.
Such characterization is too dense and nonsensical to be entertaining for 300 pages.
I wanted to love this one, I really did, since it's BP's last before she passed away. Unfortunately, in the end, the storyline was just too contrived and flaccid for me.
What a disappointment. The book started off with Belva's lovely style of making you feel you know the family members well and could cozy up with the book for a good read...but it doesn't take long before Laura and Iris are grating on your nerves far too much with their stupidity regarding a woman's role in a marriage. I mean, after all, the story is set in the late 70's/early 80's, not the dark ages.
Such characterization is too dense and nonsensical to be entertaining for 300 pages.
I wanted to love this one, I really did, since it's BP's last before she passed away. Unfortunately, in the end, the storyline was just too contrived and flaccid for me.
Beautiful followup book to Evergreen.
Iris Stern considers herself to be a thoroughly modern woman, although she still holds steadfast to her old-fashioned sensibilities. She has a successful career in academia and a happy marriage. But as the mother of four adult children, each with their own lives to live and burdens to bear, Iris often finds her sensibilities called into question when confronted with the choices her children have made.
For Iris' daughter, Laura, the choice is a fresh start in New York City - and a last chance to save her troubled marriage. While Laura and Robbie cope with their impending separation and its effect on Iris' young granddaughter, Iris herself must come to terms with the discovery of a long-held family secret. However, it's an emotional parting of another kind that looms most prominently on Iris' horizon - as neither her beloved husband, nor the solidity of her own marriage, is immune to the ravages of time.
Through the inevitable separations and reunions, the changes one cannot avoid and the love that sustains, Iris will weather whatever lies ahead with a faith that cannot be shaken. With an inner strength like that of a tree that abides through the generations, she will be as strong as heartwood.
I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I was completely drawn into the story and engrossed in it until the very end. I had also read Harvest - the fourth book in the Werner Family Saga - back in July of 2011. I've probably said this before, but in my opinion Belva Plain is a truly gifted storyteller. Heartwood: A Novel was her last published novel and I give it an A!
For Iris' daughter, Laura, the choice is a fresh start in New York City - and a last chance to save her troubled marriage. While Laura and Robbie cope with their impending separation and its effect on Iris' young granddaughter, Iris herself must come to terms with the discovery of a long-held family secret. However, it's an emotional parting of another kind that looms most prominently on Iris' horizon - as neither her beloved husband, nor the solidity of her own marriage, is immune to the ravages of time.
Through the inevitable separations and reunions, the changes one cannot avoid and the love that sustains, Iris will weather whatever lies ahead with a faith that cannot be shaken. With an inner strength like that of a tree that abides through the generations, she will be as strong as heartwood.
I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I was completely drawn into the story and engrossed in it until the very end. I had also read Harvest - the fourth book in the Werner Family Saga - back in July of 2011. I've probably said this before, but in my opinion Belva Plain is a truly gifted storyteller. Heartwood: A Novel was her last published novel and I give it an A!
I loved the story, a must-read after reading her book Evergreen. The building of her characters and the story keeps you wanting to know more. Her stories always feel very realistic and connections and messages to family ties are important relationships.
First book of this author's that I read and I loved it!!! Will be certain to order more.
