Saxton Reads! & Reviews

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JULY 27, 2009

Family Man ~ Elinor Lipman

*****reviewed by bas bleu

An irresistible summer read...The Family Man

In this warm-hearted, quirky, character-driven novel, the protagonist, Henry Archer, is a recently retired, divorced attorney who also happens to be gay. Always a gentleman, Henry sends a condolence letter to his ex-wife when he learns that her husband of 24 years has died. This seemingly innocuous act of kindness completely changes his life: Henry is subsequently reunited with his adopted daughter, whom he was forced to give up upon his ex-wife's remarriage and also meets Todd, who becomes the love of his life. The story is hilarious, the New York setting is vibrant, and the characters are quirky and charming. It is Henry, however, who stayed with me long after I finished reading the novel. He is so sweet, loving, kind, and tender that I wish he lived next door to me so that we could become good friends. Lipman's inspired writing makes her books a true gift to her many readers.

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posted by CarolK

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Comments

bas bleu said, on Jul. 28 at 3:18PM
I just finished reading one of Lipman's earlier works, The Inn at Lake Devine, and can heartily endorse that as well! Some refer to Lipman as a modern-day Jane Austen, and I can see why! Both her writing and her characters are delightful.

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CarolK said, on Jul. 28 at 4:20PM
Delightful sounds so good. Perhaps it's time for me to read one of her novels. Many people confuse Elinor with Laura Lippman, two very different writers. I've heard lots of comment lately that people are looking for books that are not dark and dreary. Lipman, Elinor sounds like she might fit the bill.