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Elizabeth Berg's novel, "Open House," is an emotional comedy about a newly separated mother of a near-teenaged son and her unusual road to recovery. Berg has made a name for herself by writing provocative, engaging novels that strike deep emotional chords with women. At the heart of each is a common theme- a woman put to the test is stretched to the limits of her emotional boundaries by the difficulties of life. "Open House" follows this tried-and-true formula by telling the story of one woman's struggle to survive divorce. The book opens with the question: what's a woman to do after her husband of 20 years packs a bag and walks out? Get dressed up, make an elegant breakfast, and try to make the teenaged son go along with the charade. Unfortunately, Samantha Morrow can't bring the plan off, so she goes to Tiffany's and writes a $12,000 check for silver flatware. When her estranged husband, David, takes all the money out of their joint account, she has no choice but to start renting out rooms. After a difficult experience with an older woman boarder, things seem hopeless. Even a distress call to Martha Stewart's 800 number doesn't seem to help. Then, when Sam least expects it, her fortunes begin to turn. "Open Heart" refreshes a well-worn plot with knowing domestic detail, an understanding of familiar- sometimes conflicted- emotions and an infectious sentimental optimism. The narrative accurately captures the aftermath of an adjustment of the heart. The characters are true to life, with diverse and complex emotional reactions to real-life situations. "Open Heart" is skillfully written with a style that will delight Elizabeth Berg fans. But when all is said and done, "Open Heart" is an all-to-familiar familiar story.Read full review
Elizabeth Berg is a very intelligent, intuitive writer. She puts thoughts on paper that the reader suddenly says, "Oh, that's what I really was thinking," or "Oh, that's why I felt like that." We purchased 6 of her books, used, just to have access to some of the Berg books to 'gift' for the holidays, ended up reading all night for almost a week straight to read each one first before wrapping them. This book, Open House, deals with the angst and recovery from a broken marriage. Excellent read.
This book was laugh out loud funny. I looked forward to reading it each night before bed after I put the kids down. I couldn't wait to find out what was happening next. It's a quick easy read - very witty.
When I first began this book I wanted to shake the character and say 'Lady get a grip!'. But I began to really feel for her and understand her dependence on a husband that was never there and love for a son that didn't quite know how to take this new situation. Interesting book.
Excellent read. Berg's books are so real and lifelike. I enjoyed it very much. Makes it a good book because it reads so quickly.
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