Then She Found Me
by Elinor LipmanFiction
1990 Washington Square Press
Finished 12/10/09
Rating: 2/5 (Fair)
Product Description
April Epner teaches high school Latin, wears flannel jumpers, and is used to having her evenings free. Bernice Graverman brandishes designer labels, favors toad-sized earrings, and hosts her own tacky TV talk show: Bernice G! For thirty-six years Bernice has followed the life of the daughter she gave up for adoption. Now she's ready to be a mom. And she's hurtling straight for April's quiet little life....
Meh.
When I saw the cover art on a new edition
of this novel, I noticed it had been made into a movie, starring Bette Midler (Bernice) and Helen Hunt (April), with supporting roles going to Colin Firth and Matthew Broderick. Anxious to read the book before renting the dvd, I went home and found the copy I had picked up several years ago (probably after reading The Inn at Lake Devine
). I should've have just rented the movie. The book was mediocre at best. Bernice's character was extremely annoying and the storyline dull and unmemorable. It's been almost a full month since I finished the book and I have only a vague recollection of what it was all about. This is definitely one to either borrow from the library or skip all together. However, I'm a big fan of Hunt and Firth and I still plan to see the film
. How bad could it be?
It's too bad that this book wasn't better! I like the cover, though.
ReplyDeleteI loved Lipman's Inn at Lake Devine, and My Latest Grievance, but this book was disappointing for me as well. Try these 2 if you haven't already!
ReplyDeleteOh that's too bad. I have found Lipman to be very hit or miss for me. I know I saw the film but can't remember it. I'm a big fan of Firth too so I think that's all I needed to enjoy it :)
ReplyDeleteKailana - I've only read two of Lipman's books and only enjoyed one. Just barely.
ReplyDeleteDiane - I read The Inn at Lake Devine years ago and as I recall, it was only just ok. Nothing great. Not sure if I'll give My Latest Grievance a try or not. Too many others calling to me!
Iliana - Yep. She's pretty much a miss in my book, although I've only read two of her books. I still plan to rent the film!
I've heard it's pretty bad.
ReplyDeleteI actually own several Lipman books, having picked them up through library book sales, but I've yet to read them. I think this is the one that sparked my little collection, as I read about it somewhere ...
This makes me want to try one of her books now and see if I need to bother keeping them!
Lesley - Oh, dear. Well, I suppose I could try it from Netflix and quit if it gets too terrible. I'm pretty sure my husband won't want to watch it at all, so I can try some afternoon when I have a pile of ironing to tackle.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how you'll like Lipman's books. The Inn at Lake Devine was ok. Nothing special as I recall. I have a copy of The Ladies' Man in my stacks, but I'm in no hurry to give it a read.
I think I own all three of those! I should try and find a Lipman fan and ask their opinion as to the best one to start reading. That is, if I can find one!
ReplyDeleteLesley - I've heard The Ladies' man is very funny. Let me know if you find out any Lipman fans and what they recommend.
ReplyDelete