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.
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!
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.
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
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
Helpful Score: 5
I enjoyed this book; it's a fast and engaging read. It's amazing how well she describes the feelings of the straying wife, who feels taken for granted. However, the story is told from the point of view of the husband, and it did help me see, perhaps, what is the other side of the coin as far as a man and his marriage are concerned.
Helpful Score: 1
This book was very sad for me. You just want to pull the husband by the hand and tell him to move on and that he is better off without his cheating wife, but in the same breath you want them to work everything out. I found myself mad at the wife and identifying with her at the same time. I thought the emotion of the book was very real.
Helpful Score: 1
Story of marriage, affair, seperation and all the emotions that the husband, wife and child experience.
Helpful Score: 1
A story about a troubled marriage, which was made interesting by being told from the male point of view. It made me think about how much we take people for granted...
Helpful Score: 1
Say When is an outstanding book about the struggles of marriage. What I really enjoyed about this book was that it was told from the man's perspective. So often when I read books with a similar theme, they are told from the woman's point of view and it often turns into a man-bashing tirade. This was not like that at all. Immediately I was immersed in the pages and finished the book in a few hours. It was fast-paced and heartfelt. I enjoyed this book very much.
Helpful Score: 1
I LOVE every book by her and this is no exception.
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.
A compelling novel about a well-meaning couple searching in different ways to find happiness. An excellent book for a book club, featuring a readers club guide and an interview with the author, at the end of the book. "It's definitely a book to lend to a husband as a wake-up call!"
A very compelling story.
I love Elizabeth Berg's books and this one was very touching. If you want an intimate view of a marriage falling apart and one man's fight to put it back together again, this is the book for you.
I love that this book is written from the man's perspective. The wife is not a very sympathetic character I suppose for that very reason.
If you have ever gone through a divorce, you will definitely identify with the main characters, Griffin and Ellen. Ellen asks for a divorce, having fallen in love with a young mechanic. Griffin is shocked, but then starts to see where the cracks have been all along. I identified with both sides so acutely that I was sobbing by the end of the book.
Altho I really loved the book, at times it made me very sad.
A beautiful story of a marriage & the work involved to make it work out. All from the husbands telling. Elizabeth Berg writes with such poignant insights. The book is so beleivable, you feel like you know the characters. This is one of her books not to miss.
Another excellent story by Elizabeth Berg! She never fails to grab me from the first page and holds me at rapt attention until the last word! Fabulous story of a married couple trying to sort out their feelings during a separation. Written from the husband's point of view. Complicating things is their 8 year old adorable daughter. Very well written.
Just what you expect from EB.
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.
Sue surprised by this book, liked it more than I thought I would. Great ending
A really good book. Thoughtfully composed, true-to-life feelings, and a little out of the usual line for Elizabeth Berg as it is written from a man's point of view. But as usual, she evokes authentic emotions, sincere characters and lifelike situations.
This book is typical of Elizabeth Berg's writing. A well-written book that places a reader at the heart of this family.
sensitive portrait of a marriage gone awry
Elizabeth Berg is a strong writer, this was an interesting story of infidelity as told by the male perspective. Good read!
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.
fabulous story Berg always keeps you reading
"...it provides a refreshing and poignant look at how time can cause complacency and a sudden jolt can bring about immense change in a relationship...
An impulsive decision to become a department store Santa has a profound effect..." amazon
An impulsive decision to become a department store Santa has a profound effect..." amazon
A touching story of a marriage, told from the man's viewpoint.
This is a great book told from the man's point of view!
ellen
ellen
Elizabeth Berg is such a wonderful author. This story shares the male perspective of his dysfunctional marriage.
One of Berg's better books I think. I enjoyed this one as was told from a mans side of things. Amusing in some spots and an eye awakening for many.
This was a very good book, one that I could really relate to. I read it very quickly.
Great book, just made me more of a fan of Ms. Berg.
As always, Elizabeth Berg has a winner in this book about love and marriage. I loved the ending!
This is another great hit from Elizabeth Berg!
I really enjoyed this well-written story of a marriage in difficulty.
Wonderful story. Elizabeth Berg is one of my favorite authors.
Another great Berg book. She is so easy to read. Again, recommend this one!
My daughter loves all the Berg books.
I liked this book. I enjoyed seeing love and loss through a males perspective. It seemed different, but yet in some ways the same.
What happens when the marriage you thought was so solid and strong suddenly falls apart? When you move from husband and wife to roommates? Say When asks questions relevant to any contemporary couple: when is a relationship worth saving and when is it better to let it go? How do men and women define betrayal? How honest are we with those to whom we are the closest?
i am finding this book to be very depressing so i put it down...if i knew it had a happy ending i would finish!
