Rating: 
Summary: What a disappointment!
Review: I finished this book and wondered what the point was. I did not feel connected to any of the characters. They had no depth and were hard to care about. Many of the characters did things that were out of character and made no sense (ex: Peter accusing Cecile of talking about his project - not to mention her parents accusing her). I also felt that the story was slow & drawn out until the end and then years and years rushed by without really having any meaning other than to hurry up & end the book. It is as if the author got tired of the story too and just wanted it to be over!
Rating: 
Summary: Not her best, and depressing ending
Review: I have read all of Belva Plain's books; I enjoy the story lines, the way they move along, and her stand for morals and clean dialogue. But this title just does not "cut the mustard." The first half or so of the book is interesting, with a fairly good plot, but the characters are shallow, and not well-developed. Several are intent on destroying their lives, as well as those around them. The ending is totally depressing with no redeeming value that I can think of; they all (main characters) end up screwing their lives in a miserable manner. This is an unusual twist for Belva Plain. Most of her stories have a good, if not happy ending. I was depressed at the end, and reluctant to pass my copy on to another of her fans. All in all, it was a disappointment and I do not recommend purchasing it. If you are a die-hard fan, wait until the paperback version comes out or borrow it from your local library.
Rating:
Summary: Looking Bleak
Review: I have read other Belva Plain novels, so I was so surprised at this one. It was so disappointing!! The characters were not in the least sympathetic. In fact, I think I ended up despising each and every one of them! I had a hard time believing the story took place in the no so distant past (or at least not in the 50's or 60's), because the characters' attitudes (male & female) toward women with careers was so dated!
Rating:
Summary: I wish I had not bothered...
Review: I must say, I was very disappointed with "Looking Back". The predictable and amoral story, which follows the friendship between three women, beginning with their college graduation, left me wondering why they were even friends. While the character development was fairly good, the development of the various relationships, particularly the friendship between the girls, was shallow at best. The characters hardly seemed to know each other, both when they were roommates in college, and especially after graduating and proceeding on with their lives. Speaking of shallow, that is a perfect word to describe most of the characters in this story. With the exception of Cecile and her husband, Peter, the characters can be grouped into one of two categories: ridiculous or spiteful...I do not know which was less appealing. Yet, the reader must endure their inane comments and thoughts. In general, the characters are neither likable nor interesting and you are left not necessarily caring about what happens to them.
Rating:
Summary: Not One of the Best
Review: I often look forward to Belva Plain¡¦s books with joy and expectations. Unfortunately, none of the recent read have met my expectations and this one is no exception. The story is too draggy, all three girls are so caught up in their own affairs, that the friendship between the girls are not reflected strongly, hence the eventual breakdown caused no emotions in the reader. I am simply unable to feel for all the characters in the book.
Rating: 
Summary: Belva Plain Brought A Real Situation to Light!
Review: I personally thought that the book was great once I got past the first couple of chapters. I was able to see the events in my mind as Belva Plain described the scenes behind the story! It was a very sad betrayal between real friends, and was written very well. As I read, I couldn't wait to see what the reactions would be once the betrayal was discovered. I could feel each and every emotion of the characters as it was described in the story. This story is actuallu true to what happens in real life situations in marriages.
Rating:
Summary: Recommended Summer Reading
Review: I simply adored this book. The characters were so real. I could see how all of the characters' actions fell in to place. What a shocker-- Larry's Dad!! (I must admit-- I picked up on this scenario from the get-go) I read this book in two days and passed it along to a friend immediatley. She loved it also. I guess my only question would be-- how in the world did Amanda spring back so fast in the end and do so well-- what with little money, and landing on her feet so firmly? Larry was certainly a strange character. Although I did find myself laughing at some of his comments. Poor Amanda-- she wanted to live like Cecile -- but at least she garnered some of her good taste and know-how for setting a fine table. (This was the least of her problems.) Norma-- not the person we thought she was in the beginning. To be honest, I had to go back and re-read some of the first chapters to put all of this in prospective. I enjoyed this book very much.
Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful Story
Review: I was skeptical when I started this that I would like it at all, I figured it wouldn't be as engaging, however I wound up being drawn into the story and ended up loving it a lot! I found myself getting really emotional - being angry especially angry with a few of the characters. I even had to put the book down
to tell my mother about one of the scenes! I thought it was a very engaging and interesting story and I'm glad I loved it! I'm once again I've fallen in love with Belva Plain!
Rating:
Summary: Not Up To Par
Review: The author must be using a ghost writer these days. The book was not anywhere near the quality of past books. Characters were shallow and scenes were redundant. I kept hoping it would get better, but never did.
Rating:
Summary: Not Up To Par
Review: The author must be using a ghost writer these days. The book was not anywhere near the quality of past books. Characters were shallow and scenes were redundant. I kept hoping it would get better, but never did.
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