Book Review: The Widow’s Season by Laura Brodie
Posted By CarrieK on July 25, 2009
Title: The Widow’s Season
Author: Laura Brodie
Genre: Contemporary fiction
Publisher: Berkley Books
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
First line: Sarah McConnell’s husband had been dead three months when she saw him in the grocery store.
When I picked up Laura Brodie’s The Widow’s Season
Sarah McConnell’s husband disappeared in a kayaking accident during a flash flood. His body is never found, but some of his personal items are, and so he is declared dead. Sarah starts to navigate the waters of widowhood with the help of her neighbor and best friend, Margaret. Then she sees David – at the store, at home. Is he really there? Is she going crazy?
I can’t give you more of a synopsis than that without giving away major plot points, and believe me when I say you don’t want to have this book spoiled for you. Brodie tells a spine-tingling story, and she also deals with the emotional issues we all experience at one time or another: loss, love, grief, disappointment, and renewal. As Sarah walks through her widow’s season, she comes to know herself and her husband in a way she didn’t before she grieved his loss.
As I read, I came to know Sarah, came to understand the hidden nuances of her marriage to David. The character of Sarah is so well-written that I found myself responding as if she was someone I knew, being glad that she had Margaret in her life to help her through this season – wishing she would confide more and ask for advice. I cheered some of the choices Sarah made, disliked others – but all of them felt inevitable in the face of what she was experiencing. When I finished the book, reading the last few pages and the story’s starting conclusion, I found myself wishing that there would be a postscript, telling me where Sarah is now, what her life is like – like you find at the end of movies based on the lives of real people.
The Widow’s Season is a terrific read, the kind that keeps you guessing until the final few pages. Highly recommended.
Thank you so much to Laura Brodie for sending me her book. Stay tuned tomorrow for a Q&A with Ms. Brodie.
Wow! You’ve convinced me. I’m adding this one to my wish list right now!
Kathy´s last blog ..Review: The Unit
Kathy – it is really a terrific read – fast, too!
Wow, this does sound very good! Great review.
bookworm´s last blog ..Best Intentions
Thanks, Bookworm.
Ooh, I was hoping this would be good! Yay!!
Mary´s last blog ..Friday Finds – July 24
Mary -so was I! Laura has been so nice to correspond with, and when that happens, I always worry about what will happen if I don’t like the book. I was glad that wasn’t the case and that it was a good as it sounded.
Wow – this sounds fantastic!!
JoAnn – it is!
I was just informed by my husband that this book arrived this week, and I am SO EXCITED! The premise sounded like it was totally my style. I love intrigue! I am so glad to hear that it met your approval, and will look forward to your interview!
Sandy´s last blog ..How to dig yourself out of a rut…
Sandy – so glad you got a copy – I can’t wait to hear what you think!
This sounds great! Adding it to my list.
Stacy – hope you like it!
I’ve heard such good things about this book and with your recommendation, I see that I’m going to have to add it to my list.
Beth F´s last blog ..Awards!
Beth – I don’t think I’ve read a single bad review about this one so far!
Oh, I’m so glad to read another great review of this one! I’ve received it for review this week and from what you said, I think I’ll enjoy it.
Kay´s last blog ..Sunday Salon : On Stuff and Books
Kay – I look forward to your review!
You’ve convinced me! Sounds wonderful. Guess what? the anti-spam word I had to type is my middle name. How cool is that?
Nicola´s last blog ..Monday: Books in the Mail
Nicola – that’s really cool!
I have this book slated for an October review due to the haunting elements in it. Great review and thanks for not giving away any major plot points.
Serena (Savvy Verse & Wit)´s last blog ..Susan Helene Gottfried Reveals her Past and Inspiration
Serena – It’s hard to review a book like this because I wanted to talk about certain plot points/twists, but couldn’t. Having your review in October is perfect!
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Our HR Manager lent me her copy of the book and yes, agree with you..I can’t put the book down and I was in for a very interesting and eye opening story.
I love how the story of Sarah was written, how her battle with losing someone and holding on and moving on at the same time was wonderfully written.
Meg – it was a wonderful story, wasn’t it?