Review:
This was a delightful look at small town American in the early 1950's which seems to be an era that has been somewhat lost in literature lately. We read scores of books about the War years, but then, when America was recovering and supposed to be 'building the American Dream,' we don't hear as much. The housewives of the 50's are a culture unto themselves, and Berg does a great job of getting into the details of what being a woman in this time was like.
The main character, Vivian, was a bit of a rebel in some ways, but a traditionalist in others. Her spunky personality made for a love/hate relationship with her for me as the reader. The true win of this novel is the way small town happenings are brought to life, and how we are reminded that even the most trivial of matters to us now -- what hat to buy, who sits next to who at a lunch, driving alone on the highway -- were a BIG deal to these women and their families.
Questions:
1. Did you think about how much work it took to find out about Edward's past? Compare investigative techniques in today's world versus Vivian's.
2. Did you like Vivian? Why or why not?
3. What will happen to Betty after the story closes? Will she get her 'just desserts?"
