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Say When
Say When
Author: Elizabeth Berg
Ellen, he thought, and the name seemed to him to hold everything he might possibly want to say to her....He looked at her lying on her side of the bed, looked too at the space she had left beside her. That was his side, because he was her husband. And she was his wife." — Griffin is a happy man. Settled comfortably in a Chicago suburb, he adores ...  more »
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ISBN-13: 9780743411363
ISBN-10: 0743411366
Publication Date: 6/3/2003
Pages: 272
Rating:
  • Currently 3.5/5 Stars.
 41

3.5 stars, based on 41 ratings
Publisher: Atria
Book Type: Hardcover
Other Versions: Paperback, Audio Cassette, Audio CD
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

reviewed Say When on + 14 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 9
I enjoyed this book immensely. It is one of those that grabs you from the first page and is hard to put down because you truly care about the characters and want to know what happpens to them. I think these characters, the range and depth of emotion, and the subject matter will hit home with lots of other readers like it did me. It's an inside look at a marriage that is both painful and funny at times.
reviewed Say When on
Helpful Score: 7
This is the first book by Elizabeth Berg that I have read. It was poignant,thought provoking and engrossing. The story of a flawed man trying to save his flawed marriage is moving, truly a great read!
reviewed Say When on + 176 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
Husbands frequently tune out their spouses, but Frank Griffin makes valiant attempts to ignore Ellen, his wife of 10 years, when she announces she has a lover and wants a divorce in this endearing, undemanding novel by Berg (True to Form, etc.). Griffin (he goes by his last name) struggles to hold on to his normal life-namely his house and his eight-year-old daughter, Zoe-while repairing his relationship with Ellen. Refreshingly, Berg tells the story from Griffin's point of view: he refuses to leave home, insisting that he and Ellen live as roommates, and tries to wear her down with small acts of kindness. A decent man and a good provider, Griffin is also-he comes to realize-a less-than-exciting partner at times, dismissive of his wife's attempts to get him to read poetry and see art movies, or try anything new at all. Eccentric, shy Ellen, an isolated, stay-at-home mother whose only friend is the waitress at her regular diner, has her own flaws. In trying to live out her adolescence 20-plus years too late, she flaunts her new romance in ways that evoke either disdain or pity for her navet. Some readers may feel she gives up her quest for more freedom too quickly; others will appreciate the way she explores her complicated feelings about her marriage.
astream avatar reviewed Say When on + 38 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
An absolutely excellent portrait of a marriage at a turning point. Elizabeth Berg has the uncanny talent of laying her characters emotions raw, and bringing you to tears with one sentence, laughter the next. Their inner selves are so REAL and close to the surface. Highly recommended
reviewed Say When on
Helpful Score: 5
Introspective book on how one deals with the everyday nuances of a marriage. Witty, sad, absorbing and interesting. I really enjoyed this book as I do all of the author,s books. GinaK
Read All 46 Book Reviews of "Say When"

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rayj avatar reviewed Say When on + 3 more book reviews
I loved this book!!! It was very well written, and I would recommend it highly. It showed the intricacies of a marriage on the rocks, and the power of undying love. Loved it.
bulldoglover22 avatar reviewed Say When on + 105 more book reviews
This is the first time I have read a book by Elizabeth Berg so I had no idea what to expect. I thought this book was well written yet slightly predictable with respect to the ending. Griffin and Ellen seem to lack certain ingredients that are essential for a successful marriage. By spending time apart, they learn a lot about themselves while simultaneously testing the actual strength of their troubled marriage. I enjoyed this story and would certainly consider reading other books that she has published.
spontaneousreader avatar reviewed Say When on + 8 more book reviews
Sue surprised by this book, liked it more than I thought I would. Great ending
reviewed Say When on + 8 more book reviews
Just what you expect from EB.
Angeleyes avatar reviewed Say When on + 217 more book reviews
Not a bad book but if you've been through a divorce or even marital problems, this book is like reading from your life. Not really a grabber.


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