Miriam Karmel

Esther Lustig is an elderly Jewish woman who anticipates her demise with frequency. She has led a remarkably uneventful life, has survived her emotionally-distant husband, has a somewhat contentious relationship with her daughter and, apparently, has not much interaction with a son who lives in another state. Esther goes through her list of life-long acquaintances in order to reconnect with long-held memories; this exploration leads to some information that is difficult for Esther to assimilate. She is frightened of being forced to leave her home to live in a retirement home, and her increasing interest in memories of the past lend her a poignancy that is endearing.… (meer)

I thought I'd try this book because it was included in a list for a library book group and I'm studying the Biblical Esther. I quickly discovered that the main character, to her own regret, was not named for anyone; her mother knew someone named Esther Jo and liked the name.

There is the occasional switch from the usual past tense of stories to the present tense; I don't know why. We learn a lot about Esther's past and present, but lots of other stuff of equal weight is not discussed. for example, how did she meet her husband? I'd be curious to know how she feels about being Jewish; like many of her generation, she is not observant. Is this a conscious rebellion on her part or another example of doing what was expected of her?

The book is certainly readable, but reminds why I don't read a lot of typical novels. Wow, I'm being way harsh. It was not a waste of time. Maybe I'm just not ready to admit that I'm getting old.… (meer)

This delightful book is about Esther, age 85, and her last few months before her death. She as real as any character I've ever fallen in love with. She has some regrets, some joys, and a whole lot of opinions. She's a normal woman who had a normal life. a normal marriage, a normal motherhood, but there is a spark to her that just won't fade. She's the same person she's always been, as she sees it, though admittedly older, creakier, slower. A simple life is not a boring life--not by any means. Thank you, Esther, for reminding me of that! What a delightful book, even if it did end up making me cry.… (meer)