Evenings at Five

Rating:
Summary: maybe too young to fully appreciate
Review: First off, the drawings reminded me strongly of the illustrator of the "Al" children's books. Since I loved those books, I was already well disposed toward "Evenings at Five." But this book though it expressed the stages of grief beautifully just did not go deep enough. I may have been spoiled by Godwin's previous books which are meaty and filled to bursting with provocative ideas and fascinating characters. Perhaps if I were reading it through the lens of grieving, I would have come away more impressed.

Rating:
Summary: Still waters run deep
Review: I loved "Evensong", "The Good Husband" and Godwin's "Father Melancholy's Daughter" but before I bought this book I read the introduction just to be sure I'd enjoy the topic. I was drawn in immediately by her initial descriptions of her mindset for the book because she almost desribes it as autobiographical fiction. Robert Starer, the author's companion of nearly 30 years passed away not long ago so the tone of this book is a reflective, fictional celebration of their cocktail hour "Evenings at Five". (The title and tenor is almost too reminiscent of "Tuesdays with Morrie" but inspiration is inpiration.) The characters, Christina and Rudy, are both creative minds who debrief their days together between themselves and among those they loved in their life together. Rudy becomes ill and their lives are altered but they continue to enjoy moments of humor and company. Christina's reflections of grief afterward are so dignified and genuine. Godwin's use of sentence structure is appealing to me and her books are always a gentle read. Given the topic of the book you might think it melancholy but it isn't really to me. I would call it poignantly reflective. Her books are some of my favorites. I hope you enjoy it too.

Rating:
Summary: Midwest Book Review
Review: What do Pope John Paul, a serrated knife fondly known as Ralph, and a bottle of gin have in common? Artfully, with humor and tenderness, Gail Godwin weaves the Pope, Ralph, and Bombay Sapphire gin into a loving testament.

Every evening at five, Rudy builds his wife a drink with loving precision. and announces that "the Pope has called." Rudy is a composer and hears music; Christina is a writer lost in a world of words. But somehow, despite their differences, for 28 years their marriage works. When Rudy dies, his formidable presence no longer holds center stage in Christina's life. The gifted linguist and world traveller with a mellifluous voice "one octave below God's" is gone. Stripped of his presence, Christina is reduced to drinking her gin alone and conversing with Rudy's chair every evening at five.

It's Christina's recollections of Rudy that makes Evenings at Five a standout. She reads his appointment diaries, kept through their years together, reliving the chronicle of his life. She listens to his music, composed one note on top of another until he reached a glorious symmetry - much like their life together. His is a powerful and lingering presence that defies death.

Christina's memories are a delightful read, despite the sobering subject. Ms. Godwin's skill as best selling wordsmith proves itself once again in this latest book. Evenings at Five transcends death and loss, guiding each reader to an individual finale.