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Book Summary InformationAuthor: Anne Lamott Edition: Paperback Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published) Published: 1997-06-01 ISBN: 0140264795 Number of pages: 275 Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics)
Book Reviews of RosieBook Review: Despair Summary: 4 Stars
In this somewhat autobiographical work, the author paints a sharp, poignant, and painful portrait of a widowed woman in her thirties, Elizabeth Ferguson, who, though blessed with a sharp mind and striking looks, cannot find equilibrium in her life and turns daily to the soothing, if not numbing, comforts of excessive alcohol consumption. Having grown up in a dysfunctional family - both parents being drinkers, she had managed to shove much of that into the background with her deceased husband being a pillar of strength for both her and her precocious, grade-school-age daughter Rosie. Now, she agonizes over subjecting her adorable daughter, at times wise beyond her years, to a similar unstable environment.
While the focus of the story is on Elizabeth's struggles and Rosie's swings from reproving her mother to being an apprehensive little girl, other interesting characters appear to help the situation. Rae is an upbeat, chubby, earth-mother type who is there when needed. And James, despite his faults, "gets" Elizabeth. They are both literary intellectuals to some degree, but the real issue is can she learn to trust and give herself to a man when she has so much insecurity.
The author really captures what it must be like for a person who recognizes but rationalizes his or her own self-destruction through alcohol or drug dependence. It is an understanding, but realistic, treatment: at times the picture is not pretty. It's easy to hope that Elizabeth can get it together and that Rosie can get the adult support that she needs. It's a tough world for an eight year old girl to fend for herself, as one particularly ugly incident clearly demonstrates.
Some may find the author to be unkind, or even harsh, towards Elizabeth. In fact, Elizabeth has resources that many don't: financial stability gained from her husband's death, a reflective though troubled mind, and a minimal network of friends and acquaintances. In a sense, Elizabeth is a disappointment to the author and to the reader. The basis of Elizabeth's hopelessness, concealed while married, is not particularly clear - perhaps that is the point; there is no rational explanation. Elizabeth's situation is a nightmare that we can experience from afar through this book and learn from.
Summary of RosieIn Anne Lamott?s wise and witty novel, the growing pains of motherhood are portrayed with rare humor and honesty. If Elizabeth Ferguson had her way, she?d spend her days savoring good books, cooking great meals, and waiting for the love of her life to walk in the door. But it?s not a man she?s waiting for, it?s her daughter, Rosie?her wild-haired, smart-mouthed, and wise-beyond-her-years alter ego. With Rosie around, the days aren?t quite so long, but Elizabeth can?t keep the realities of the world at bay, and try as she might, she can?t shield Rosie from its dangers or mysteries. As Rosie grows older and more curious, Elizabeth must find a way to nurture her extraordinary daughter?even if it means growing up herself.
United States Books
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