Good to a Fault - Softcover

Endicott, Marina

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1551119293 ISBN 13: 9781551119298

Publisher: Broadview Press Ltd, 2008

Synopsis

In a novel reminiscent of the work of Penelope Lively, Anne Tyler, and Alice Munro, acclaimed author Marina Endicott gives us one of the most satisfying, most profound, and most memorable reads of the year.Absorbed in her own failings, Clara Purdy crashes her life into a sharp left turn, taking the young family in the other car along with her. When bruises on the mother, Lorraine, prove to be late-stage cancer, Claraâ??against all habit and comfortâ??moves the three children and their terrible grandmother into her own house.We know what is good, but we don't do it. In Good to a Fault, Clara decides to give it a try, and then has to cope with the consequences: exhaustion, fury, hilarity, and unexpected love. But she must question her own motives. Is she acting out of true goodness, or out of guilt? Most shamefully, has she taken over simply because she wants the baby for her own?What do we owe in this life, and what do we deserve? This compassionate, funny, and fiercely intelligent novel looks at life and death through grocery-store reading glasses: being good, being at fault, and finding some balance on the precipice.

About this title

Review:

"An Anne Tyler-esque domestic drama. . . . Narrated with such lambent detail and compassion that it succeeds in casting a spell. . . . A limpid, witty, humane talent to watch."--Kirkus Reviews

"There's heartbreak, there's joy, there are parts where you cry--and it's very high quality writing. Well done!"--Margaret Atwood, Giller Prize Jury remarks

"Good to a Fault is one of those novels you want to tell people about. It's unpretentious and affecting, with characters to remember and themes that linger and resound."--Meg Wolitzer, New York Times bestselling author of The Ten-Year Nap

"A brilliantly balanced and engrossing work about illness, charity, and the very tenuous nature of goodness. Fans of contemporary fiction exploring the dangers of complacency and how domestic upheaval can lead to personal growth will enjoy; think Anne Tyler, Elizabeth Berg, and Anita Shreve. Highly recommended for all fiction collections."--Jenn B. Stidham, Library Journal

"An enjoyable and affirming meditation on altruism, goodness, and loneliness.... A touching story."--Publishers Weekly

"Probing the moral and emotional minefield of heroic Samaritan acts, Endicott's enchanting and poignant novel of compassion run amok handles provocative issues with a deft and winsome touch."--Carol Haggas, Booklist (starred review)

Probing the moral and emotional minefield of heroic Samaritan acts, Endicott s enchanting and poignant novel of compassion run amok handles provocative issues with a deft and winsome touch. --Carol Haggas, Booklist (starred review)"

A brilliantly balanced and engrossing work about illness, charity, and the very tenuous nature of goodness. Fans of contemporary fiction exploring the dangers of complacency and how domestic upheaval can lead to personal growth will enjoy; think Anne Tyler, Elizabeth Berg, and Anita Shreve. Highly recommended for all fiction collections. --Jenn B. Stidham, Library Journal"

An Anne Tyler-esque domestic drama. . . . Narrated with such lambent detail and compassion that it succeeds in casting a spell. . . . A limpid, witty, humane talent to watch. --Kirkus Reviews"

An enjoyable and affirming meditation on altruism, goodness, and loneliness . A touching story. --Publishers Weekly"

Book Description:

A compassionate, funny and memorable novel about life and death - and what happens when we try to do the right thing.

About this edition

• Publisher: Broadview Press Ltd
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 1551119293
• ISBN 13: 9781551119298
• Binding: Perfect Paperback
• Number of pages: 376