Today, I’ve decided to tell you about the library book I’ve just started reading. I wonder if any of you have read ‘The Wife’s tale’ by Lori Lansens? I hadn’t come across her writing before but apparently she has a best seller called, ‘the Girls.’
This story is about a woman who has suffered from being overweight for most of her life. She really captures the essence of this woman, Mary Gooch and the temptations of the Kelvinator, (refrigerator). I hope it doesn’t rub off, but I’m not tempted by ice cream in the middle of the night, at least not yet. This poor woman is waiting for her husband to come home, the night before their twenty fifth wedding anniversary.
There is a touch of sad humour when she reminisces about the doctor and her mother discussing her being obese, when she’s nine years old. She thinks the doctor means ‘Obeast’, in relation to witches and fairy tales. She believed there was a starving animal in her stomach.
The story explores loneliness and Mary Gooch finding herself. It is written well and the subject of neediness is a complex issue affecting many women. I would like to hear if you have read this book, and what you thought of it.
This is my review for the daily prompt alternative, thanks myathiestblog
http://myatheistblog.com/2015/03/13/we-call-it-daily-but-really-its-whenever/
https://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_prompt/a-house-divided/
Barbara Pyett 
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Thanks for the ping backs.
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A new one to me, but a very interesting theme.
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Yes, Hilary, I found it so too! 🙂
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No, I haven’t read it but it certainly sounds interesting. Body image plagues so many women, doesn’t it?
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Yes, Barbara, it is a shame that societal values ruin some people’s lives. It is a promising start to the book!
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I’m interested in it. Just a little while ago, I reunited with a woman I haven’t seen in years and she had to forewarn me that she was now “fat.” I felt so badly that she felt so badly. I wish she could have just put on a pretty flowing dress and not made such a fuss over it.
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I think it all boils down to self esteem. Some fat women can be so charming, their size is totally unimportant. Happiness is contagious! 🙂
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I does sound sad, but interesting.
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I’m only at the beginning and I’m sure it gets better Bridget! 🙂
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Lansens is an Ontario writer! I enjoyed *The Girls*. I will look for this today when I go to the library. Thanks, Barbara.
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Yes, I noticed that she was Canadian. She wrote it in California, gathering up tidbits from there, I’m sure. These Canadians are clever writers! 🙂
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I might give this one a miss, Ba ! :-}
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Shall let you know when I’ve read it if I think you’d like it! 🙂
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I doubt that very much, Prefer my reading further from home.
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Even if it’s a happy outcome?
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