Published September 6th 2016 by Algonquin Books
International bestselling author Gayle Forman's trademark humor and insight abound in this masterful adult debut, showing us that sometimes you have to leave home in order to find it again.
For every woman who has ever fantasized about driving past her exit on the highway instead of going home to make dinner, for every woman who has ever dreamed of boarding a train to a place where no one needs constant attention--meet Maribeth Klein. A harried working mother who's so busy taking care of her husband and twins, she doesn't even realize she's had a heart attack.
Afterward, surprised to discover that her recuperation seems to be an imposition on those who rely on her, Maribeth does the unthinkable: She packs a bag and leaves. But, as is so often the case, once we get to where we're going, we see our lives from a different perspective. Far from the demands of family and career and with the help of liberating new friendships, Maribeth is finally able to own up to secrets she has been keeping from those she loves and from herself.
With big-hearted characters who stumble and trip, grow and forgive, Leave Me is about facing our fears. Gayle Forman, a dazzling observer of human nature, has written an irresistible novel that confronts the ambivalence of modern motherhood head-on.
My Thoughts
Gayle Forman is one of my favorite authors, so I was really excited to see her publish Leave Me. Then, I read the description of the story, and it completely spoke to me! I jumped right in with high hopes of connecting with the main character and possibly experiencing some self-discovery of my own. I mean, what over-worked mother doesn't fantasize about a little get-a-away to focus on just yourself? Everything about Maribeth jumped right out at me… works full-time (check), two young and very, very busy children (check), completely over-stretched with commitments to family and friends (check), struggling with medical ailments (recent check)… yes it all hit home. So when Maribeth's medical recovery from a heart attack becomes an imposition on her family, she decides to pack up and leave for some time to heal both physically and emotionally.
The first half of the story really grabbed me because of the similarities I share with the character (minus the heart attack). However, the story suddenly transpired into a mom looking for her birth mother to understand her medical history and why she was put up for adoption. As Maribeth continues her quest, she also grapples with the pain of her breakup in her early twenties to the man she was now married to.
Overall, the story had a little bit of everything, and in the end I sort of lost my connection to the events and emotions of the main character. I was hoping for something different, and unfortunately this didn't quite connect with me like I hoped.
Still looking forward to seeing what Forman publishes next.
3 Suns
Gayle Forman is one of my favorite authors as well. I was waiting for the release Leave Me. Then mixed reviews begin to appear, and I didn’t pick it up right away. I can see why you didn’t enjoy this book as much as expected, given that you wanted different story. I think I’ll give Leave Me a try just lower my expectations a little. Lovely review, Arlene!
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