Leaving
Leaving ~ Roxanne Robinson
Sarah and Warren dated in college. He loved her completely, and while she also loved him, the ideas she has brought with her from her childhood, of what a woman could say to a man, how open one could be in a relationship, lead to a misunderstanding, and they break up. They both marry and have children and careers. Sarah’s marriage does not last, and when she and Warren bump into each other at a performance of the opera Tosca, she is long divorced, while he is still married.
Now in their early 60s, they rekindle their love in an extramarital affair. She believes that she is blameless, as she is not married. She is not having an affair, he is. Both Sarah and Warren are very close to their adult children, and their relationships with their children, the obligations that they have, the promises they have made, play a deep role in how the story ends.
Roberts is a beautiful writer, and this story is very moving. Recommended if you don’t have an aversion to stories that include infidelity.
What’s with all the book reviews? I’m participating in NaBloPoMo this month, writing a post a day. I decided that I would write about the books that I have read this year. For more NaBloPoMo participants, check out San’s list.
24 Comments
nance
Such a fine distinction regarding who is having the affair. That’s interesting. I might take a look at this one since you say the writing is beautiful.
I’m becoming so frustrated with contemporary fiction lately; I’m thinking of a return to nonfiction.
J
I found her distinction to be a ridiculous rationalization, but you can’t have an affair without some of that, I think. If you decide to give it a try, I hope you enjoy it!
I’m sorry that fiction is failing you lately. Perhaps you should do a blog post, or a series, of Nance’s 1 star reviews, or DNF.
Lisa’s Yarns
I also really liked this book and gave it 5 stars. I usually don’t like books about infidelity but this one was different for me since they were older and it showed some of the consequences of infidelity. My friend read this and did not like it at all, though! She especially hated the ending. It would make a great book club book, though!
J
I could see where someone might not like this book, it was very well written but the end was rough.
Maya
This is going to be my book club recommendation because we’re all in this age range.
Can I also say, I’m so, so glad that we have women past thirty as protagonists in fiction now? That wasn’t a thing until at least this century, I think.
J
Maya, I am thankful too! And I think this would be a great book club book, lots to talk about.
Kyria @ Travel Spot
It sounds like an interesting premise, especially since they are of an age where you don’t really hear too many stories about infidelity, but it happens! My 75 year old boss and his wife recently got a divorce and he got remarried; it’s never too late to change or to start something new!
J
Wow, I’ve heard of gray divorce, but 75? That’s pretty gray. I hope both parties are happier.
NGS
I really don’t like to read about marriages in peril. No, thank you.
I’m LOVING all these book reviews, J. I’m so impressed with your theme and even when I don’t want to read the books, I’m having fun reading the reviews.
J
Thanks Engie!
Alexandra
I guess you just have to set aside what prejudices (if any) you might have about affairs, and jump in and either enjoy the read (or not) for what it is. This is life, good or bad, and who’s to say.
J
Agreed. Or, just don’t read it if it’s going to bother you, right?
Jenny
Wow, this sounds really complex and interesting. I’m not opposed to the subject matter if it’s handled the right way. Relationships are complicated. I’ll see if they have this at my library.
J
It was a difficult book in some ways, but I really liked it.
Tobia | craftaliciousme
I think I would like to read this one. I usually dont enjoy affairs in books but lets be honest most of the romance genre is full of it and often enough I entertain myself with this junkfood as Melissa put it.
But if there are some more layers to it and the writing is beautiful… why not.
J
If you end up reading it, I hope you enjoy it!
Nicole MacPherson
Oh, I LOVED this book. It was so moving!
J
Thanks Nicole, I’m glad you loved it!
Ernie
I’m with Engie. Even when the book isn’t for me, I’m really enjoying your reviews. This one sounds tempting because it’s well written, but I don’t care for infidelity as a theme. Maybe I’ll get over it to give this one a try.
J
Thanks Ernie!
Margaret
It fascinates me because so many people think that affairs only happen among the young. I enjoy beautifully written books but it sounds like this one has a tough ending. It’s hard for me to start a book when I know the end will tear me up!
J
This is not the book for you Margaret. The ending is definitely rough.
Tierney
I think I have read this book, but it’s also on my Kindle and doesn’t seem to have been read so I don’t know. I think I read a review about it that gave the entire book away (unlike your reviews). And then I started the book, was kind of meh on it, and maybe just decided to DNF? Also, I checked out Sandwich from the library and finished it. Whoa. That was a lot of pregnancy stuff over the years. Also, Rocky just seems a little too much of a boundary-less mess for me. You can’t blame menopause and hormones on everything…right? Or have I just jinxed myself to 10-15 years of peri-mernopausal/menopausal hell?
J
LOL, I think Rocky is just a hot mess, to be honest. I mean, yeah, she’s probably going through a rough menopause, I know it’s harder on some people than others. But also it seems this is her personality.