- ‘The old, as they might remember from their own youth, are like a separate species: more or less useless, even repellent, and certainly irrelevant. It may even be, Ruth supposes, that they are all those things, and that’s just one way the world propels itself onward, and the best trick the old can perform involves acquiesing to the harsh rule of becoming unseen’. —pg. 81
The elderly have such a beautiful story to tell as this book shows us. Sylvia, Greta, Ruth and George tell us in their own way about the lives they’ve lived, the mistakes they’ve made, the hopes and dreams that kept them going and ultimately the losses they’ve suffered. It shows us at any age we can make special and life friendships that are loyal and amazing. In this novel, the author gives a voice and a story to the old-those who are often forgotten in our society today in a beautifully written way.
Just because people get old and we all will, that does not mean life is over-unless you want it that way. Moving into a retirement home does not mean life is over, you can still meet new people and learn new things. I think this novel is an inspiration to someone like me, who at 42, is eventually heading in that direction. It shows me that you need to live your and live it as fully as you can-enjoy every minute because as this quote shows…
- ‘But some other things are sharp and true: that life comes and goes in a minute of time.’ —pg 316
…You have to grab onto life, take advantage of all it has to offer. Make friends and do new things.
This novel was released in hardcover by Random House on August 12, 2008. You can read more about it and purchase it here.
This sounds like a good book. I do think we get so caught up in our lives we forget about the old and the infirm. Which is sad, because most of us will be old some day.
This does sound like a great book! I just turned 40 this year and finally came to the realization that my body will not look like it did 15 years ago! Priorities change for us and senior citizens have great stories to tell, if we take the time to listen. Thanks for the great review.
Hi Dar… great review. The books sounds a bit heavy but good. I agree we are all heading in that direction. It is funny how sometimes we can be in denial of it until the time comes. Exit Lines..kind of a bittersweet title. But I think I would like to read this book.
Wow that passage from p. 81 really does jab at the heart. Hits a little too close to home too, for me. this sounds like a very worthy read. thanks for the review.
Kathy, that’s just it. I helped an older lady at the doctor’s office a few weeks back and she apologized to me for being a nuisance. I was shocked. I told her she was in no way a nuisance and never to think that. I was in tears over that-that somebody should even feel that way. That will be us someday-what goes around comes around I always say.
Jo-Jo, I have to agree. These 40 yr old bodies are nothing like the younger models were. lol. I love listening to the seniors-they definitely have some great tales to tell.
Toni, the book was a heavy read. I found it difficult in that the elderly feel like this-that their families make them feel like that. That hurts me.
Marvin, sounds like you have some struggles there-I’m sorry. There were many parts of this book that brought tears to my eyes. Overall, I just plain hate to see anybody hurting.
I’m not a huge Joan Barfoot fan. I have attended a reading though and appreciate her talent. She doesn’t shy away from any topic. Thanks for the great review.
this sounds like a moving read.
I liked that one quote from Ruth.
great review 😉
http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/
Hi Dar, Had to pop by to see what you’re up to in your world these days.
Haven’t seen you around so I was wondering if the Christmas Police found you with your tree up (lol)…
Hubby set mine up on the weekend, but it’s still blinking at me without any lights…. will be decorating it and my house before the weekend…..
Anyway, take care and happy readings you come into the last weeks of your 2008 reading challenges.
This one sounds good! I’ve read Barfoot in the past, but not for a long while. Another one for the wish list!
Dar, this sounds like a very thought-provoking book. I agree with what you said about forgetting the elderly. It makes me very sad.
I delivered meals to seniors on Wednesday (the day before our Thanksgiving) and I asked many of them what they were doing the next day and they were mostly staying home – alone! How sad!!! My heart was just breaking for them!
Shana
Literarily
Awesme 🙂 I would lve to read this. And it is true –
the first quote was heart breaking- it was sad reallly…
and this one — You have to grab onto life, take advantage of all it has to offer. Make friends and do new things — was true and good 🙂
i will definitely get this one 🙂
Luanne, thanks. I don’t know that I’d read more of hers but I do agree that she tackles a subject head on and I liked that. I liked that this one made you stop and think quite a bit.
Naida, thanks 🙂
Brenda, I ended up with a migraine so not much got done. My tree should be blinking with lights this weekend though. lol.
Avis, I’ve never read any others of hers and not sure I would but I did like this one.
Shana, I know. I think that’s what breaks my heart the most-is how alone they are. It seeems so unfair. I think I’m going to look into reading to some at a old age home we have near my home. To me, they are still very special people.
Veens, I really think that is the main message of this book. Take advantage of what you have while you do because you never know when it will be gone.