Thursday, May 28, 2009

77 - Home Safe; Elizabeth Berg
















I was anxious to read Home Safe: A Novelby Elizabeth Berg, because I have enjoyed a few of her books in the past. The premise of this story is not a new one: when her husband dies unexpectedly, Helen Ames is stunned and finds it difficult to move on.

Yes, Helen lose her husband, but this woman was incapable of doing anything for herself ; honestly, she was pathetic. Once a best selling author, she even loses her her ability to write. She also becomes dependent on her 27 year old daughter Tessa, to the point of annoyance.

I could not relate to the total helplessness Helen displayed even a year after her husband's death. Just when Helen learns from her accountant that her husband had withdrawn most of their retirement money just before his death, I looked forward to some suspense and perhaps a side story about "The Secret Life of Mr. Ames", but no such luck. Even when I found out what he did with the money, I was bored.

While some Berg fans may sing the praises of Home Safe, for me the story fell short of my expectations: unlikable characters and a predictable plot.

RATING - 2/5 - COMPLETED - 5/27/09
WHERE FROM: Library

10 comments:

  1. Hmmm . . . I'm thinking it will fall short for me as well. :( I put it on my iPod a bit ago with, like you, hopes of suspense.

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  2. I love books written by Elizabeth Berg. My favorite is "Never Change." I didn't know about this one until I read your review, great review. Thanks.

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  3. It definitely wasn't my favorite of hers...and she usually delivers. I was disappointed...

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  4. Sorry it didn't work out. :-(
    Hope your next read is better.

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  5. It's a bummer when there's nothing really wrong with a book, but it really doesn't hold your attention either.

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  6. Oh no! I'm sorry this one didn't do it for you. It has such a beautiful cover. I've only read one of her books (Talk Before Sleep) but I don't think I'll be reading any more.

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  7. Elizabeth Berg is a name that I have heard over and over again. This book might not be my introduction based on your review, but what would you recommend? :)

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  8. I've never read any Berg, but I think the helplessness of the main character would irriate me too.

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  9. From what you've said and a few others, I've cancelled my hold at the library. Maybe I'll read it one day, maybe not. I find her older stuff so much better.

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  10. As you know, I listened to this one recently and overall thought it was just okay. When I found out what he did with the money I was totally disappointed. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn't that! I think that's why I mentioned that I needed more friction or action because that was boring.

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