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ashleysilver7's review
4.0
This is a charming, well written novel about a 42 year old woman, Sam, who is dealing with her husband leaving. Sam and her husband, David, have been (according to David) falling apart for some time. Sadly, Sam is blind-sided.
Since she doesn't want to fully rely on child support and alimony to provide for herself and her 11 year old son Travis, Sam decides to rent out her home. Furthermore, she gets hired by a temp agency and has a different job almost every day.
As you may guess, Sam goes on a journey, and eventually finds her way out of her marriage and is able to move on. I related well to her characters, and greatly enjoyed this novel.
Since she doesn't want to fully rely on child support and alimony to provide for herself and her 11 year old son Travis, Sam decides to rent out her home. Furthermore, she gets hired by a temp agency and has a different job almost every day.
As you may guess, Sam goes on a journey, and eventually finds her way out of her marriage and is able to move on. I related well to her characters, and greatly enjoyed this novel.
elegyeldritch's review
1.0
Horrible. No substance. So this is what Oprah Book Club selections are like. Steer clear.
julieb118's review
3.0
This was a "nice" read - completed most of it on the dock in the sun, and it's the perfect type of book for that. Easy characters, easy and predictable plot. That it's an Oprah book surprised me a lot - there was nothing complex or deep about it, including the main character's response to her situation. But it was a nice read and created a pleasant way to spend some time.
blogginboutbooks's review
4.0
This is an interesting novel about a woman's rediscovery of herself after her husband leaves her. It's necessarily (and realistically) sad and depressing at first, but it's a hopeful story in the end. The main characters are likable and relatable, the prose is skilled and readable, and the plot moves along at a fast enough clip to keep things interesting even though OPEN HOUSE is a take-your-time literary novel. I didn't end up loving this one, but I did like it.
amibunk's review
3.0
Elizabeth Berg is a master at writing emotion in her novels. Without being overly dramatic, sappy, or cliche, she creates characters and plots that breathe feelings. Ms. Berg takes an everyday topic of divorce and makes it almost personal and very realistic.
However, Ms. Berg is not a master at ending her books. "Open House," true to classic Berg form, finishes almost abruptly. While the first 8/10ths of her novel followed a steady course with a good amount of description and build-up, the last 2/10ths bulldoze the reader with speedy conclusions and "closure." I felt like I had literary whiplash.
"Open House" is a decent book with some very good writing. Just don't expect much from the ending that is not hurried or cliche.
However, Ms. Berg is not a master at ending her books. "Open House," true to classic Berg form, finishes almost abruptly. While the first 8/10ths of her novel followed a steady course with a good amount of description and build-up, the last 2/10ths bulldoze the reader with speedy conclusions and "closure." I felt like I had literary whiplash.
"Open House" is a decent book with some very good writing. Just don't expect much from the ending that is not hurried or cliche.
rosiepiereads's review
4.0
I'd have coffee or share a bottle of wine with Eizabeth Berg. Even if Open House isn't autobiographical, she absolutely knows the "losing" side of unwanted marital dissolution. With a wicked sense of timing, she discloses each moment of pain, hilarity, confusion, anger, lunacy, and hope. If you haven't had to face a husband's rejection, this is still a great book. If you have, it should be required reading. I do think that Sam's "happy ending" could have ended without a new man. Her journey, and ultimate rejection of reconciliation were "happy endings" enough.
But icing on the cake is nice too! PS Quick read too!
But icing on the cake is nice too! PS Quick read too!
imworthyandenough's review
4.0
2022: I still generally loved it. It made me tear up in many sports because it’s just so brutally true re: failed marriages, and feelings of being 42, etc etc..
2014 review: It's been a long time since I truly LOVED a book. It brought me to tears many times because it really hit the feelings/emotion/behaviour from failed marriage/relationships...but then it also gave me hope too because I *think* I may have found my King. Normally I donate books after reading, but this one is definitely a keeper!
2014 review: It's been a long time since I truly LOVED a book. It brought me to tears many times because it really hit the feelings/emotion/behaviour from failed marriage/relationships...but then it also gave me hope too because I *think* I may have found my King. Normally I donate books after reading, but this one is definitely a keeper!