Helpful Score: 10
This is a story of how one womans past comes back to haunt her, when a man she knew 25 years ago, moves into the small New England town, where Jo is a veterinarian and happily married. Jo finds her "old friend," Eli, upsetting and at the same time tantalizing. Can she confront her past yet stay true to her marriage?
I loved the authors penchants for detail and good dialogue. It helped to make the story "real." This novel is a "page-turner," with many surprises!
I loved the authors penchants for detail and good dialogue. It helped to make the story "real." This novel is a "page-turner," with many surprises!
Helpful Score: 8
Very well written, but I did find it difficult to relate to the main character. Although I cannot personally relate to the inner struggles Jo experienced, I think that Sue Miller did an excellent job of creating a flawed heroine...a survivor of the "late 1960's, early 1970's" era of American culture. I couldn't put this book down once I got into it.
Helpful Score: 6
Sue Miller allows the reader to reflect on their own life at the same time as the main character, Jo. Or was that just me? I read the book in a smooth fashion and while my brain computed Miller's story, it also computed my own story. My own memories, my own past, my own connections from the past to the 'now.' The character's thoughts were potent, raw and brutally honest. I loved the pace, the anticipation, the suspense that Miller eloquently builds page to page. A sparkling book with so many 'real life' moments.
Helpful Score: 4
Pensive, character-driven book about a woman who once lived another life. Miller's writing suggests self-reflection and will give you an unexpected attachment to the character. However, this is light reading and goes by quickly.
Helpful Score: 4
From the back cover, "Fascinating . . . A New Novel of Great Integrity and Power . . . Despite having a loving husband, three vivacious daughters, a beautiful home in rural Massachusetts, and satisfaction in her work, Jo Becker's mind is invaded by a persistent restlessness. Then, an old roommate reappears to bring back Jo's memories of her early 20s . . . . Her obsession with that period of her life and with the crime that concluded it eventually estrange Jo from everything she holds dear, causing her to tell lie after lie as she is pulled closer to this man from her past...and to a horrible secret." Well, yes, that does describe it, but I think it deserved a little more mention of the fact that the book really connects her present life with her past in a way that the past is very involved in her life now. It is an easy ready, found myself thinking about the characters when I wasn't reading the book ... that's my judgment of a pretty good book. I liked it.
Helpful Score: 4
The mystery of a friend's murder when younger seems to haunt her memories. When the truth comes out she does the only thing she can, and her decision puts her marriage to the test.
Helpful Score: 3
This is a great chick read! You will want to finish just to see how the story unravels.
Helpful Score: 3
Ok book, not memorable. I had to read the description to remember this book, which to me, means I would not read again.
Helpful Score: 3
One of Oprah\'s book club selections, it explores the reality of a middle aged woman who has memories of her 20\'s and it\'s horrible secrets. A good read.
Helpful Score: 3
The seven college students came from all different walks of life. Jo, Eli, Dana, Duncan, Sara, John, and Larry may have met completely by chance, but their differences were what initially bonded them together in friendship. They did almost everything together - and were extremely close with each other - until a brutal crime tore everyone apart and the friends went their separate ways.
Jo Becker's life honestly couldn't get any better. She lives a comfortable life with her own successful veterinary practice; doing something that gives her an enormous sense of satisfaction and purpose. She has been happily married to her minister husband Daniel for almost thirty years, and the couple has three vivacious daughters. This loving family lives in a beautiful house somewhere in a tiny, picturesque town in suburban Massachusetts.
Despite living such a perfect life, Jo nevertheless finds herself strangely dissatisfied with her current situation. Her mind is periodically invaded by instances of persistent restlessness and she feels somewhat disconnected from her own life at times. The strange feeling of restlessness intensifies when Jo takes on a new client who brings her into contact with someone from her past. Eli Mayhew was an attractive, mysterious, twenty-something when Jo first knew him; and his sudden reappearance in her life brings back Jo's own long-buried memories of her troubled former life.
Her subsequent fascination with that particular period of her life, as well as with the horrific crime that marked its inevitable conclusion will begin to consume more and more of Jo's time and attention. Although her avid determination to solve the crime that so utterly devastated her past could ultimately define her future; Jo's obsession with discovering the truth about what happened in the past will eventually estrange her from everything she holds dear in the present. As she and Eli are drawn closer together again, Jo will be forced to tell lie after lie to protect herself and her family from this mysterious man...and from the repercussions of a horrible secret deeply buried somewhere in the past - somewhere within another lifetime.
I must say that I absolutely loved this book. The story was so well-written and intriguing for me to read. I appreciated that it flowed along so easily; in my opinion, it was was well-paced and held my interest all the way through. Although Sue Miller is a relatively new author for me, I am delighted to say that I have several other books by this author sitting on my bookshelf already.
I was just telling Mareena how much I was enjoying reading this book and how I thought that it would make such a good movie. She did a little bit of research, and told me that there had been a television movie made of the book back in 2004. Apparently, the movie starred Kirstie Alley and Bill Smitrovich. Despite never having seen the film adaptation of this book, I would nevertheless give While I Was Gone by Sue Miller a definite A+!
Jo Becker's life honestly couldn't get any better. She lives a comfortable life with her own successful veterinary practice; doing something that gives her an enormous sense of satisfaction and purpose. She has been happily married to her minister husband Daniel for almost thirty years, and the couple has three vivacious daughters. This loving family lives in a beautiful house somewhere in a tiny, picturesque town in suburban Massachusetts.
Despite living such a perfect life, Jo nevertheless finds herself strangely dissatisfied with her current situation. Her mind is periodically invaded by instances of persistent restlessness and she feels somewhat disconnected from her own life at times. The strange feeling of restlessness intensifies when Jo takes on a new client who brings her into contact with someone from her past. Eli Mayhew was an attractive, mysterious, twenty-something when Jo first knew him; and his sudden reappearance in her life brings back Jo's own long-buried memories of her troubled former life.
Her subsequent fascination with that particular period of her life, as well as with the horrific crime that marked its inevitable conclusion will begin to consume more and more of Jo's time and attention. Although her avid determination to solve the crime that so utterly devastated her past could ultimately define her future; Jo's obsession with discovering the truth about what happened in the past will eventually estrange her from everything she holds dear in the present. As she and Eli are drawn closer together again, Jo will be forced to tell lie after lie to protect herself and her family from this mysterious man...and from the repercussions of a horrible secret deeply buried somewhere in the past - somewhere within another lifetime.
I must say that I absolutely loved this book. The story was so well-written and intriguing for me to read. I appreciated that it flowed along so easily; in my opinion, it was was well-paced and held my interest all the way through. Although Sue Miller is a relatively new author for me, I am delighted to say that I have several other books by this author sitting on my bookshelf already.
I was just telling Mareena how much I was enjoying reading this book and how I thought that it would make such a good movie. She did a little bit of research, and told me that there had been a television movie made of the book back in 2004. Apparently, the movie starred Kirstie Alley and Bill Smitrovich. Despite never having seen the film adaptation of this book, I would nevertheless give While I Was Gone by Sue Miller a definite A+!
Helpful Score: 3
It was a depressing and disturbing book. Even though Miller is among the best of contemporary novelists, her books can be very sad.
Helpful Score: 2
The author takes on an, I think, "obvious" theme that most people run across in their lives and she doesn't make it a cliche. This isn't some aging guy's mid-life crisis but that guy and the heroine/narrator have something in common: The memory of youth is so alluring that they try to recapture it by consorting with people and things they used to do, fast cars and old lovers, running away to a time when they had energy, beauty and sex appeal. Why do I think it's a shared if not wholly universal experience? Even boring old I identified with it.
Helpful Score: 2
This book starts oput so slowly that it as difficult for me to stick with it. About halfway through, it does get more interesting and in the end was well worth the time.
Helpful Score: 2
Engrossing read that builds tension from the first few pages. The end was a let down for me, however, and utterly unrealistic from my point of view. What, they couldn't do a lie detector test or something? Besides that, good read about faith, trust and reconciling with your past.
Helpful Score: 2
Interesting book. The heroine goes back into her college life when she is reacquainted with an old college friend. Brings back memories of what we all did as young adults and how it affects us now.
Helpful Score: 2
No matter how hard someone tries to put the past behind them, one finds it hard to deal with the consequences of the past not being completely in the past. Everything one does with their lifes shapes who they are at any given moment and who they will become sometime later.
Sue Miller does a fine job in bringing relationship and emotion full circle.
Sue Miller does a fine job in bringing relationship and emotion full circle.
Helpful Score: 1
What you learn in the little tidbits throught this book will stick with you forever. Or at least give you an "ah-ha" moment or two. Loved the book!
Helpful Score: 1
Interesting and fast-paced. Keeps you guessing.
Helpful Score: 1
The author takes on an, I think, "obvious" theme that most people run across in their lives and she doesn't make it a cliche. This isn't some aging guy's mid-life crisis but that guy and the heroine/narrator have something in common: The memory of youth is so alluring that they try to recapture it by consorting with people and things they used to do, fast cars and old lovers, running away to a time when they had energy, beauty and sex appeal. Why do I think it's a shared if not wholly universal experience? Even boring old I identified with it.
Helpful Score: 1
I put this book down before finishing it. I found it depressing. It delves into the hippie generation in the 60's and I thought it was demoralizing and did not care to read anymore.
Helpful Score: 1
A story about secrecy and betrayal and forgiveness.
Helpful Score: 1
Loved it - a thoughtful story
Helpful Score: 1
I so enjoyed this book. I was drawn in from the begining, surprised in the middle, and satisfied with the end. I felt very close to the character. I will look for other books by this author.
Helpful Score: 1
A touchingly honest book about human struggles. Easy enough to read quickly, deep enough to chew on for days afterwards.
Helpful Score: 1
An unresolved incident from the past threatens the comfort of the present. Part detective fiction, part family saga. Well written and complex.
Helpful Score: 1
An awesome, captivating read. Superbly paced and very real. What started out as a nice, interesting book became one I didn't want to put down. A great plot. Excellent!
Helpful Score: 1
Sue Miller always writes with heart, and this novel is no exception. This one also has a touch of suspense as well.
Helpful Score: 1
A quick read and engrossing story about a woman who looks back on her past life as a roommate in a group house where a tragedy occured.
Helpful Score: 1
An Oprah's Book Club Selection. While I Was Gone is a suspenseful novel about how quickly and casually a marriage can be destroyed.
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent read!!!! A personal favorite.
Helpful Score: 1
One of Sue Miller,s best as far as I am concerned. It has her usual insight into relationships, intermingling between family members and this story has a further complication of a horrendous hidden crime story in the main character,s past. Engrossing.
Helpful Score: 1
an Oprah book club book. a novel about what it takes to be a good wife, about love and betrayal. Good book
Helpful Score: 1
This is a very good book. It not only entertains but makes you think. I highly recommend this book!!
Helpful Score: 1
While I was gone By Sue Miller
Oprah Book Club® Selection, May 2000: In her still startling debut, The Good Mother, Sue Miller explored the premium we put on passion--and the terrible burden it places on a mother and child. Her fourth novel, While I Was Gone, is another study in familial crime and punishment. But this time, her wife and good mother is accessory to more than emotional malfeasance. Jo Becker has everything a woman could desire: a loving spouse, contented children, and a nice dog or two. When her New England veterinary practice takes on a new client, however, her past comes back to haunt her. Long ago, it seems, Jo had escaped her family and identity for a commune in Cambridge. Her Aquarian illusions came to an abrupt, bloody end when one of her housemates was brutally murdered.
Now this unhappy era returns in the person of Eli Mayhew, who had been the odd man out in Jo's boho household. His appearance is both tantalizing and upsetting: "Inside, I slowed down. I felt numbed. I had two last patients, and then I told Beattie to go home, that I'd close up.... I refiled the last charts, sprayed and wiped the examining table. I reviewed my list of routine surgeries for Wednesday. All the while I was thinking of Eli Mayhew, and of Dana and Larry and Duncan and me, and our lives in the house. Of the horrible way it had all ended." Sue Miller's fine novel is a penetrating--and sensuous--portrait of a woman besieged by her conscience. While I Was Gone also demonstrates that in the face of distance and betrayal, a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing indeed. --Winnie Wheaton --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Oprah Book Club® Selection, May 2000: In her still startling debut, The Good Mother, Sue Miller explored the premium we put on passion--and the terrible burden it places on a mother and child. Her fourth novel, While I Was Gone, is another study in familial crime and punishment. But this time, her wife and good mother is accessory to more than emotional malfeasance. Jo Becker has everything a woman could desire: a loving spouse, contented children, and a nice dog or two. When her New England veterinary practice takes on a new client, however, her past comes back to haunt her. Long ago, it seems, Jo had escaped her family and identity for a commune in Cambridge. Her Aquarian illusions came to an abrupt, bloody end when one of her housemates was brutally murdered.
Now this unhappy era returns in the person of Eli Mayhew, who had been the odd man out in Jo's boho household. His appearance is both tantalizing and upsetting: "Inside, I slowed down. I felt numbed. I had two last patients, and then I told Beattie to go home, that I'd close up.... I refiled the last charts, sprayed and wiped the examining table. I reviewed my list of routine surgeries for Wednesday. All the while I was thinking of Eli Mayhew, and of Dana and Larry and Duncan and me, and our lives in the house. Of the horrible way it had all ended." Sue Miller's fine novel is a penetrating--and sensuous--portrait of a woman besieged by her conscience. While I Was Gone also demonstrates that in the face of distance and betrayal, a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing indeed. --Winnie Wheaton --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Helpful Score: 1
Fascinating!
Helpful Score: 1
Sue Miller explores the life of a woman with secrets, some deep and dark, others just hidden, and the effect those secrets have on her life. The main character is a woman prone to running away in search of her life, or sometimes in search of a different life. What she finds is that life and some harsh truths sometimes have a way of catching up with you and there is a price for coming clean about a past you'd rather forget, but can't. In the end, there is no magical revelation that suddenly makes everything right. Instead, the woman, Jo, learns some valuable lessons about life and love and truth and justice that can only be taught by experience. Luckily, Miller's writing and story helps us learn them too.
Helpful Score: 1
OPRAH'S BOOK CLUB Despite having a loving husband, three vivacious daughters, a beautiful home in rural Massachusetts, and satisfaction in her work, Jo Becker's mind is invaded by a persistent restlessness. Then, an old roommate reappears to bring back Jo's memorie of her early 20s...her obsession with that period of her life and with the crime that concluded it eventually estrange Jo from everything she holds dear, causing her to tell lie after lie as she is pulled closer to this man from her past -- and to a horrible secret.
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoyed this story a lot. The writing style lets you get to know the memorable main character (told in the first person) and her reaction and thoughts of all of the people she comes in contact with.
Good book generally, but then again there are a lot better books out there as well. It can drag a little, but i did like the concept.
I didn't much care for this book. Oprah made it seem way better than what it was.
I felt like the story was well written and a keen sense of attention was paid towards painting the images of details... There were just a few times when i felt like things were "wrapped up" to neatly, and other times when i felt like things were left "unclear".
One of Oprah's recommendations! Enjoyable reading!
a little depressing and long-winded at times
Despite having a loving husband, three vivacious daughters, a beautiful home in Massachusetts, and satisfaction in her work, Jo Becker's mind is invaded by a persistnet restlessness. Then, an old roommate reappears to bring back Jo's memories of her early 20's.... Her obsession with that period of her life and with the crime that concluded it eventually estrange Jo from everything she holds dear, causing her to tell lie after lie as she is pulled closer to this man from her past--- and a horrible secret. ---Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Excellent read!
So well written, keeps moving. thoroughly enjoyed!
An intriguing look into what happens when you think a chapter or chapters of your life are closed. There are some secrets and lies that will always surface and duplicity is exposed in many areas of the narrator's life. The author is able to capture well the frustration and disillusion of the narrator at mid-life and the complex emotions she experiences when her past resurfaces and touches her life in an unexpected way.
I enjoyed this book more than any I've read in awhile.
Leah G.
Leah G.
A bittersweet story of a woman who meets up with an old friend from her younger days in the 1960's, and despite her husband and children, revisits that time with the friend, even though he admits to her a terrible secret he has held all these years.
I thought this book was too slow moving. I only got about half way through it and put it down.
this is an awesome book its not for children i had a really hard time to put it down i read it in a day and a half its really a great book
I enjoyed this book.
This book is written well but I couldn't identify with the main character. I found her to be self-absorbed, unlikeable, and her decisions didn't make sense to me in light of what we are shown about her throughout the book. Definitely could have gone without reading this one.
Give this book a chance. I couldn't really get into it until about page 60 and then for most of the time it is a very engaging read. It is possible in any little section you find boring to skim or practically skip until you see something you are more interested in and not lose cohesion in the story.
I was disappointed when reading this book of how much of it was setting up the history and scene. To much potatoes and not enough meat.
I did not enjoy this book. I not did not even finish reading it, a rarity for me. Very Olive Kittredge-like plot; that is, none.
I first read this book when I was 21 and single/dating. I read it again this month because my book club selected it and while I knew I had really liked it and remembered that the main character was a veterinarian with marital issues, I couldn't recall any other details. Reading it now as a woman who has been divorced and "found" herself was so very different. I felt a connection to Jo that I hadn't before and was deeply affected by some events that occur this time. I've worked in veterinary medicine for over 15 years now and I enjoyed being able to understand those parts of the book. I think it's a beautiful book, well written and the characters are relatable and well developed. Even though I didn't agree with everything Jo or Daniel did, I could understand it. I highly recommend this book for anyone who likes Sue Miller's writing-I think it's her best. I also think women who have experienced divorce and or/a lot of change in life will relate to it well.
GOOD BOOK, BIG SECRET
One of Oprah's Book Club.
I love Sue Miller! This is another great book by this author.
This book had a promising storyline, but bogged down with a lot of unnecessary story telling that didn't apply to the plot. It took me about 70 pages to get into what the book was even about. I couldn't relate with the main character, Jo, she seemed so unhappy about everything. The ending was rushed, unrealistic and unsatisfying.
This book had a lot of substance to it. It had me thinking of what I would've done in the same circumstances. I really enjoyed it.
This was my first experience reading Sue Miller. I was drawn to the book by the multitude of good reviews from reputable publications, and those reviewers were right about this work. It resonates, it moves, it captures character, memory, emotion, and some of the mystery of human nature. The characters became so life-like for me while I was reading that I found myself thinking about them, psychoanalyzing their motivations, seeing their faces in front of me. I guess the book reached me in particular because I fall into Jo and Daniel's generation. I too experienced life in a group house in the late sixties and early seventies and I easily related to all the yearning and pent up idealism of those times. A word about Sue Miller's penchant for detail: I think what good literature does is sort out the details of living and make a work of art from them. The details draw you in, and finally produce emotional impact that stays with you. So if you have no patience for detail and just want lots of action, a la trash novels, stay away from this one. I for one am happy I discovered Sue Miller. The Good Mother is next.
I loved this book! I was able to relate with Jo so closely that I just kept turning the page, a must read!
Starts off a little slow, but ends very well.
Not a bad read. Some parts were a little slow but overall a good relationship between characters.
One of the better Oprah Book Club books!
An interesting story of a middle-aged married woman and how her past comes back to haunt her.
An interesting story of a middle-aged married woman and how her past comes back to haunt her.
Compelling read, story of middle aged woman veternarian, Jo, and her minister husband living in small new england town. When an old friend from the past crosses paths with Jo, her actions her strain her marriage and family life. Oprah's book club selection
Excellent book....A great read to take with you on summer vacation.
Okay book. The author writes that the main character doesn't really know herself - it seems the reader doesn't really know the main character either. A little rough, at times, to get through.
Despite having a loving husband, 3 daughters, a beautiful home in Massachusetts and satisfaction in her work,when an old roommate reappears to bring back memories of Jo Becker's memories of her 20s and the crime that concluded that period of her life. Oprah's Book Club selection
Wonderful story as most of Sue Miller's are!
nice mix of drama, romance & mystery.
This was a very interesting book. Very suspensful. I wasn't prepared for it. Highly recommend it.
Despite having a loving husband, three vivacious daughters, a beautiful home in rural Massachusetts, and satisfaction in her work, Jo Becker's mind is invaded by a persistent restlessnes. Then, an old roommate reappears to bring back Jo's memories of her early 20's . . .Her obsession with that period of her life and with the crime that concluded it eventually estrange Jo from everything she holds dear, causing her to tell lie after lie as she is pulled closer to this man from her past - - and to a horrible secret
Despite having a loving husband, three vivacious daughters, a beautiful home in rural Massachusetts, and satisfaction in her work, Jo Becker's mind is invaded by a persistent restlessnes. Then, an old roommate reappears to bring back Jo's memories of her early 20's . . .Her obsession with that period of her life and with the crime that concluded it eventually estrange Jo from everything she holds dear, causing her to tell lie after lie as she is pulled closer to this man from her past - - and to a horrible secret
Twists and turns interesting ending
Jo Becker has a good life - loving husband, 3 daughters, and a beautiful home in rural Mass. Then, an old roommate reappears to bring back Jo's memories of her early 20's. Her obsession with that period of her life and with the crime that concluded it eventually estrange Jo from everything she holds dear, causing her to tell lie after lie as she is pulled closer to this man from her past - and a horrible secret.
A fascinating novel by Sue Miller (author of The Good Mother).
Fascinating novel, a New York Times bestseller.
"A beautiful and frightening book...swoops gracefully between the past and the present, between a woman's complex feelings about her husband and her equally complex fantasies-and fears-about another man..."
I felt that the "Converstion with Sue Miller" at the end of the book really helped to clarify things, and increased my satisfaction with the book.
I felt that the "Converstion with Sue Miller" at the end of the book really helped to clarify things, and increased my satisfaction with the book.
The novel is difficult to get into. The main character, by the author's admition, doesn't know herself - it's hard for us to know her, too.
A good read, just not great.
A good read, just not great.
This book had some surprises. It was well written. Could have been more suspenseful. Overall-v good.
Another great beach read. Really a fascinating book of what happens to a young woman.
Hmmmmmmmm, I wouldn't recommend this book - I found it dull. Looking back, I'm surprised I finished it. I guess I figured it would eventually get better, but it didn't. Dull.
Facinating book with well drawn characters and a suspenseful storyline.
I loved this one
I like Sue Miller's books. This book however I felt was slightly different than her other books. The main character takes you to her past and present. Interesting interweave.
I found this book to be wonderfully written. It was very surprising to me just how much I identified with the central character and her apparent flaws. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good read.
This is a Oprah's Book Club book
i very much enjoyed this one by sue miller. wrenching.
I liked this book, very interesting plot, well written.
Just a great book!!! A must-read.
Being physically present in a relationship doesn't mean a thing if you're really "gone."
A very good read.
I loved this book. It was a great read.
Great book. I love Sue Miller
Great book, a fascinating, intelligent read, loaded with intrigue and sensitivity.
One of Oprah's Book Club reads.
A little slow starting but worth the wait! Chilling ending and great character development. Loved Blair Brown as the narrator. Highly recommended.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
In the summer of 1968, Jo Becker ran out on the marriage and the life her parents wanted for her, and escaped -- for one beautiful, idyllic year -- into a life that was bohemian and romantic, living under an assumed name in a rambling group house in Cambridge. It was a time of limitless possibility, but it ended in a single instant when Jo returned home one night to find her best friend lying dead in a pool of blood on the living room floor. Now Jo has everything she's ever wanted: a veterinary practice she loves, a devoted husband, three grown daughters, a beautiful Massachusetts farmhouse. And if occasionally she feels a stranger to herself and wonders what happened to the freedom she once felt, or how she came to be the wife, mother, and doctor her neighbors know and trust -- if at times she feels as if her whole life is vanishing behind her as she's living it -- she need only look at her daughters or her husband, Daniel, to recall the satisfactions of family and community and marriage. But when an old housemate settles in her small town, the fabric of Jo's life begins to unravel: seduced again by the enticing possibility of another self and another life, she begins a dangerous flirtation that returns her to the darkest moment of her past and imperils all she loves.
In the summer of 1968, Jo Becker ran out on the marriage and the life her parents wanted for her, and escaped -- for one beautiful, idyllic year -- into a life that was bohemian and romantic, living under an assumed name in a rambling group house in Cambridge. It was a time of limitless possibility, but it ended in a single instant when Jo returned home one night to find her best friend lying dead in a pool of blood on the living room floor. Now Jo has everything she's ever wanted: a veterinary practice she loves, a devoted husband, three grown daughters, a beautiful Massachusetts farmhouse. And if occasionally she feels a stranger to herself and wonders what happened to the freedom she once felt, or how she came to be the wife, mother, and doctor her neighbors know and trust -- if at times she feels as if her whole life is vanishing behind her as she's living it -- she need only look at her daughters or her husband, Daniel, to recall the satisfactions of family and community and marriage. But when an old housemate settles in her small town, the fabric of Jo's life begins to unravel: seduced again by the enticing possibility of another self and another life, she begins a dangerous flirtation that returns her to the darkest moment of her past and imperils all she loves.
"QUIETLY GRIPPING...Jo shines steadily as the flawed and thoroughly modern heroine. As in her 1986 novel, The Good Mother, Miller shows how impulses can fracture the family."
Author is Sue Miller. From the back: "A beautiful and frightening book...many readers will find it difficult to forget... it swoops gracefully between the past and the present, between a woman's complex feelings about her husband and her equally complex fantasies-and fears-about another man... I can think of few contemporary novelists-John Updike and Frederick Buechner are two others-who write so well about the trials of faith".
I ususally can find something I like about a book, I just can't do that this time.
New York Times bestseller! "Fascinating...a new novel of great integrity and power! Despite having a loving husband, three vivacious daughters, a beautiful home in rural Massachusetts, and satisfaction in her work, Jo Becker's mind is invaded by a persistent restlessness. Then, an old roommate reappears to bring back Jo's memories of her early 20s. Her obsession with that period of her life and with the crime that concluded it eventually enstrange Jo from everything she holds dear, causing her to tell lie after lie as she is pulled closer to this man from her past - and to a horrible secret!"
Beautiful and compelling..I found it compelling. Chronicles the mind of a wife caught between the past and the present..reads beautifully. Selected for Book of the Month Club. NY Times Bestseller.
A wonderful story of a woman revisiting her past and unraveling a mystery.
Despite having a loving husband, three vivacious daughters, a beautiful home in rural Massachusetts, and satisfaction in her work, Jo Becker's mind is invaded by a persistent restlessness. Then, an old roomate reappears to bring back Jo's memories of her early 20s... Her obsession with that period of her life and with the crime that concluded it eventually estrange Jo from everything she holds dear, causing her to tell lie after lie as she if pulled closer to this man from her past- and to a horrible secret.
front cover is missing...
inside cover top has a dedication written in it, otherwise good used reading condition
I read this one some time ago. If I remember right it is a good book. I like Oprah Book Club books.
Great book selected by Oprah's Book Club. Includes a reading group discussion guide.
"Miller weaves her themes of secrecy, betrayal and forgiveness into a narrative that shines."........Time
By the author of The Good Mother.
Oprah's Club Book
Oprah's Book Club selection
An Oprah's Book Club choice. Reader's Guide questions included.
One of Oprah's book club.
from Oprah's book club
