Synopses & Reviews
It's as old as time: the breakup letter. The kiss-off. The Dear John. The big adios. Simple in its premise, stunningly perfect in its effect. From Anne Boleyn to
Sex and the City writer/producer Cindy Chupack, from women both well-known and unknown, imaginary and real, the letters here span the centuries and the emotions providing a stirring, utterly gratifying glimpse at the power, wit, and fury of a woman's voice. In a never-before-published letter, Anaïs Nin gives her lover, C. L. Baldwin, a piece of her mind. Charlotte Brontë, in formal fashion, refuses the marriage proposal of Henry Nussey. In a previously unpublished letter, Sylvia Plath writes to her childhood friend and brief lover, Phillip McCurdy, expressing her wish to maintain a platonic relationship. And "Susie Q." lets "Johnny Smack-O" know that she's onto his philandering.
The brilliance of the mad missives, caustic communiqués, downhearted dispatches, sweet send-offs, and every other sort of good-bye that fills these pages will surely resonate with anyone who has ever loved, lost, left, languished, or laughed a hearty last laugh.
Review
"Arranged chronologically within intriguing subject groupings, this collection is both involving and amusing, perfect either for a long read, or for 'dipping in' as the reader chooses." Danise Hoover, Booklist
Review
"[L]iterary romantics will have fun thumbing through this unique assemblage of send-off notes." Publishers Weekly
Review
"The fictional letters are generally the best written, while the contemporary pieces are notable for their anger and their distinct lack of cleverness and grace. Likely to provoke squirms of embarrassment from readers..." Kirkus Reviews
Review
"Some entries are hilarious in their bluntness...and many are heartbreaking, but few are more touching than Zelda Fitzgerald's pledge to F. Scott...'I love you anyway even if there isn't any me or any love or even any life I love you.' (Grade: B)" Missy Schwartz, Entertainment Weekly
Review
"Wickedly entertaining....A cathartic collection." O, The Oprah Magazine
Review
"An inspired gathering of good-byes somber and madcap, literary and vernacular." Elle
Review
"Ever been stumped about how to end the thing? You never will be again after you read these unforgettable buh-bye notes." Glamour
Review
"This book will be consoling to those who discover the universality of experiences and emotions...and inspiring to those motivated to pursue the relationships of notables mentioned or to study letters as literature." Library Journal
Synopsis
This "wickedly entertaining...cathartic collection" (O, The Oprah Magazine) of Dear John letters from women both fictional and real includes letters by Sylvia Plath, Jacqueline Susann, Anne Boleyn, and others.
About the Author
Anna Holmes is a writer and journalist whose work has appeared in such publications as Glamour, O: The Oprah Magazine, The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, Sports Illustrated, Harper's, People, and Salon.com. Holmes has written on topics ranging from women's issues, relationships, and style to sports, politics, and pop culture. She has appeared on The Today Show, CBS This Morning, MTV, and National Public Radio. Anna is currently working on adapting material from Hell Hath No Fury into a theater performance. She lives in New York City.