Promises

Rating:
Summary: Realistic view of divorce
Review: Belva Plain fell upon me while I was in Grenada. I had finished the two books I brought for the cruise, and I was in a state of panic. I found Promises, and I thought it would be a quick interesting read. To my surprise I found a jewel and as realistic an author as I have ever read. Can it be believed that I was comparing her to Balzac for God's sake? I have since calmed down, but I shall find another of her books and read it sooner rather than later. A huge fan of Anne Tyler, I find some similarities, but uniquely to Belva, I find total realism -- How can Belva possibly understand what could go through a man's mind when faced with an irrestible urge to cheat. Some men might suggest that she is strictly a man hating feminist; I disagree. I found her a breath of fresh air.

Rating:
Summary: Old hat in more ways than one...
Review: For some reason, I'm drawn to Belva Plain's books. Probably for the beautiful illustrations on the covers of her books, and also for the plain, simply drawn characters. Unfortunately, I find the language to be outdated and not colloquial enough. You don't hear the verb "shall" too often. Also, the characters of all her books are pretty much the same. They have a crisis, they get through it, everyone meets a new mate immediately with whom they fall madly in love. I don't buy it, and believe me, I don't. I'll borrow it from the library first

Rating:
Summary: Belva Plain does it again!
Review: I actually think this book deserves 4 and 1/2 stars. I really enjoy Belva Plain's books and this one was really well written and very interesting, you keep turning the pages to find out what happens next. Margaret is a realistic and sympathetic character and it is interesting to see her progress and get stronger through the divorce process. Adam is the perfect example of "Be careful what you wish for, because you might just get it!". I believe that the author demonstrates a realistic view of divorce, "step" situations and what it does to the children and the family and how each person's feelings are raw with emotion. I definately recommend this book, it will make you think.

Rating:
Summary: Out of touch with reality
Review: I don't understand how the author could think it could be believable that these three "perfect" children could be the product of such selfish, self-centered parents. Neither Margaret, nor Adam ever consider their children when they make decisions. Yet supposedly, while they were married, they were wonderful parents. I work with people every day who have gone through greater loss than either of these two parents and still have thought of their children before themselves. It is a fantasy to believe that these parents were ever good parents. In addition, I think it is a lazy author who instead of dealing with emotion simply gets rid of someone. It isn't worth reading because it goes from bad to worse.

Rating:
Summary: Out of touch with reality
Review: I don't understand how the author could think it could be believable that these three "perfect" children could be the product of such selfish, self-centered parents. Neither Margaret, nor Adam ever consider their children when they make decisions. Yet supposedly, while they were married, they were wonderful parents. I work with people every day who have gone through greater loss than either of these two parents and still have thought of their children before themselves. It is a fantasy to believe that these parents were ever good parents. In addition, I think it is a lazy author who instead of dealing with emotion simply gets rid of someone. It isn't worth reading because it goes from bad to worse.

Rating:
Summary: First Belva Plain book read
Review: I normally don't like books of this nature. But Promises, was a pure tear jerker. I was thoroughly impressed with the story line. I totally agree with the reader who said that they have seen and read the old "I can't pretend any longer that I have loved you" routine. In this case, It was the same old routine; but, it was very touching and a lot more realistic. And for once the women who got left out in the cold, finally found some happiness.

Rating:
Summary: Trite, obvious, overdone potboiler
Review: I recently listened to the cassette abridgement, and hadn't listened to much before I was saying to myself "Wow, this is a bad book." The story is incredibly obvious (I could have predicted most of it after the first few minutes), the dialogue is completely unbelievable (I didn't for a minute think that people actually talked like that), the structure was clumsy, and people seemed to exist only to make a point (e.g. the niece). I didn't much like any of the characters, or believe in them for that matter. I don't know if it's the fault of the abridgement or if the novel is like that, but I think I'll skip her books from now on.

Rating:
Summary: It's realism grabed me and made me continue to read.
Review: Once again, Plain has created a book that many women can relate to. This doesn't mean that it has happend to them, but it's realism makes you understand and feel like you are in the book. With so many things happening similtaniously, one can follow as if it is just another busy day. It is uplifting and encouraging. As a newlywed, I loved reading about what might happen in the future and it even helped me by seeing that my hobbies are just as important as his career..

Rating:
Summary: An excellent,compelling read! Juicy fiction ! Full of flavor
Review: THIS BOOK IS SUPER. IT WILL KEEP YOUR INTEREST AND KEEP YOU AWAKE AT NIGHT.

Rating:
Summary: Simply heartwrenching
Review: This book takes a look at the destruction of a marriage like no book I have ever read before. I cried right along with Margaret, hating the Other Woman to no end. While at times the language is outmoded, this book is still a very powerful depiction of some very painful subject matter. Get out the Kleenex!