Synopses & Reviews
This novel begins in 1969, and as Peter, Paul and Mary croon on the radio and poster paints are splashing the latest anti-war slogans. Suzanne, a poet, lives in a Maine beach house awaiting the birth of a love child she will name Sparrow. Claudia, who weds a farmer during college, plans to raise three strong sons. And Elizabeth and Howard marry, organize protest marches, and try to raise their two children with their own earthy, hippie values. By 1985, things have changed. Suzanne, now with a M.B.A., has taken to calling Sparrow "Susan." After personal tragedy, Claudia spirals backward into her sixties world—and into madness. And Elizabeth, fatally ill, watches despairingly as her children yearn for a split-level house and a gleaming station wagon.
In this beloved, critically acclaimed first novel, Hood's clear, brave, and penetrating voice captures the spirit of three friends struggling to resolve their lives in a complicated time warp called lost youth.
Review
"Brilliant . . . [The Vietnam era is] vividly captured by Ann Hood in this accomplished novel."—
The New York Times Book Review"Provocative . . . An intriguing work."—Publishers Weekly
"Memorably stirring and authentic."—The Los Angeles Times Book Review
"Accomplished and emotionally affecting."—The Chicago Tribune
Synopsis
"Brilliant....[The Vietnam era] is vividly captured by Ann Hood."New York Times Book ReviewIn 1969, as Peter, Paul and Mary croon on the radio and poster paints are splashing the latest antiwar slogans, three friends find love. Suzanne, a poet, lives in a Maine beach house awaiting the birth of a child she will call Sparrow. Claudia, who weds a farmer during college, plans to raise three strong sons. Elizabeth and her husband marry, organize protests, and try to rear two children with their hippy values. By 1985, things have changed: Suzanne, now with an MBA, calls Sparrow "Susan." Claudia spirals backward into her sixties worldand into madness. And Elizabeth, fatally ill, watches despairingly as her children yearn for a split-level house and a gleaming station wagon. Reading group guide included.
About the Author
Ann Hood is the author of six other novels:
Ruby,
Waiting to Vanish, Three Legged Horse, Something Blue, The Properties of Water, and
Places to Stay the Night. She lives in Rhode Island.