By Phyllis Schieber
Berkley Books
Female friendships go through different seasons, just as our lives have different seasons. Whether your husband leaves you for a twenty-something law clerk at his firm, you’re grieving the death of a spouse who kept secrets from you, or you’re in the midst of a marriage that is foundering, the common thread is that your friends are always there to help you pick up the pieces. That is the theme of The Sinner’s Guide to Confession, a new book by Phyllis Schieber. Not being familiar with Schieber’s work, I was somewhat bemused by the title of the book when I signed on to participate in the virtual book tour for this novel, but I decided to keep an open mind.
The women in this novel are all of a certain age and heading toward that treacherous territory when one starts to feel “invisible” in a society that worships youth and beauty. They are also on the cusp of an exciting period of self-discovery, finally gaining the courage to show oneself to the world—warts and all.
The main characters, Barbara, Kaye and Ellen, are longtime friends, but each has secrets she has not shared with her friends or family. An established writer of romance novels, Barbara has a talent for writing erotic novels—though she writes them under a pseudonym. Kaye is conflicted about her affair with a younger man who elicits emotions in her that she hasn’t experienced with her husband in years. Ellen is haunted by the memories of her teenage pregnancy and the baby daughter she was forced to give up for adoption.
An anchor throughout the novel is Kaye’s mother, a strong and forceful woman who is struggling with her own issues of independence and aging, but somehow manages to face these new challenges with grace and dignity. I immediately felt pulled into this novel and the finely drawn characters. The writing is fresh and engaging and the main players are real, strong, flawed, and eminently likeable. While I found The Sinner’s Guide to Confession predictable at times, it was still a worthwhile read.
Review by Gita Tewari
16 comments:
Good morning! I read Gita's review with great interest and much appreciation. As a woman of a "certain age" who has her share of flaws, as well as her share of secrets, I appreciate honesty more than anything else. Consequently, I am drawn to Gita's review because it acknowledges the quality of my writing--something that means more to me than anything else. While I love praise, I am always suspicious of effusiveness. It is true that the title is a bit suggestive and, of course, that was its intent. In my own defense, I did not think of the title (though please don't ask what my original title was!). It was the genius of my agent who knew it would be provocative enough to elicit reactions. And it has!
The women in SINNER'S are flawed and struggle to make sense of their lives. I wanted to illuminate that struggle and to show how without each other, these women might be less likely to have the courage to push forward. I know that without the women in my own life, I would be lost.I welcome responses from all readers. Thank you, Gita, for a thoughtful and very well written review.
Phyllis
Hi Gita
Thank you for hosting Phyllis and Sinners Guide for Confession. We're getting great comments throughout the tour and remember, each comment gives you a chance to win a copy of this great book. If you share a secret, you have an even better chance to win :)
Nikki Leigh
You're very welcome. I appreciate your taking the time to comment on the review and your positive feedback.
Gita
I didn't delete any comments! That's so strange. Oh well, no matter. I am eagerly anticipating some responses to your review. I'll be checking back from time to time throughout the day. I have several private students to see...have to pay bills!
I posted a comment initially and then tried to edit it and accidentally deleted it :)
Ah, I see. Well, I'm checking in between students and happy to hear from you regardless. I won't be back no till the evening, so we can talk then if only to say good night! Incidentally, I spent most of the morning keeping one of my oldest and dearest friends company as she had chemo. We've been friends for 44 years. It's amazing how even during chemo, we managed to ruminate, to reminisce, and to celebrate how far we have come.
Hi Phyllis:
I type too fast and it's the "bane" of my existence. One of my resolutions for 2009 is to slow down and not type so fast :)
Re: your friend, the time you have with her is precious and you will always have the memories of this time with her. She is lucky to have a steadfast friend like you.
Gita
I'm so glad to be home at last. It is freezing out there (or should I say here in NY). Thank you again for your kind words and your excellent review. It gave me quite a bit to think about.
I hope you will read WILLING SPIRITS, the book on my next tour. It is due to be re-released in paperback in March, 2009. I would be very interested to hear what you think.
Take care, Gita.
I think this book sounds like an interesting read, for I love how women are wired. I also have been enjoying Phyllis's comments on the various blogs during her tour..very real!
Thank you
Darby
darbyscloset at yahoo dot com
This book sounds interesting; thanks for the review. I'm also pleased that this blog tour enabled me to find this particular blog!
And I'm so glad you found me!
Having one's work reviewed is a bit anxiety-provoking, but so far, I feel quite pleased!
Thanks for your interest.
Phyllis
Hi Gita,
I would like to announce that darbyscloet has won a copy of THE SINNER'S GUIDE TO CONFESSION. Not only did she faithfully follow the tour, but she revealed secrets as well. Though I'm not sure that eating salsa and chips for dinner is a huge secret, her confession made me laugh, and that's always worth something as far as I'm concerned!
I thank you again for an honest and insightful review. I hope you will review WILLING SPIRITS. It is due for release on March 3, and I would be very interested in your comments. Thanks again.
Phyllis
Hi Phyllis:
darbyscloset's "secrets" sound like some of mine :) Thanks for your positive feedback on the review. It really is wonderful to hear from an author when you review their book. I'm looking forward to reading Willing Spirits.
Gita
Hi Gita,
How can we get a book to darbyscloset and announce that she won?
Thanks!
Phyllis
Hi Phyllis:
I'm not sure how to get in touch with darbyscloset. Sorry I can't be more helpful.
Gita
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