Back When We Were Grownups

by Anne Tyler
Back When We Were Grownups cover
Good Books rating 3.0
Contemporary Fiction
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  • ID: 8349
  • Added: 2025-12-21
  • Updated: 2025-12-21
  • ISBN: 9780345449818
  • Publisher: Ballantine Books
  • Published: 2001-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

Rebecca Davitch is a woman who has always lived her life for others, never truly knowing who she is or what she wants. As she approaches her 44th birthday, she begins to question the choices she has made and the person she has become. This introspective journey leads her to confront her past and the people who have shaped her life, ultimately forcing her to decide who she wants to be in the future. /n/n Written with warmth and humor, this novel delves into the complexities of family, love, and self-discovery. It is a story about the search for identity and the courage to change, even when it feels like it's too late.

Reviews
January Magazine · 2025-12-21
disappointing 2.50

This romantic fantasy falls flat with its unrealistic portrayal of relationships and lack of social graces. It's a humorous but ultimately disappointing read.

This romantic fantasy falls hilariously flat when the protagonist realizes that her love interest has turned into a prematurely old fuddy-duddy devoid of all social graces. The story's attempt to blend romance with humor results in a narrative that is more absurd than charming. The characters' interactions are often cringe-worthy and lack the depth needed to make the romance believable. While the humor is apparent, it ultimately undermines the emotional impact of the story. The book's premise is intriguing, but the execution falls short, leaving readers with a sense of disappointment. The author's usual talent for creating engaging and relatable characters seems to be missing in this particular work, making it a less enjoyable read overall.

Quick quotes

    This romantic fantasy falls hilariously flat when Rebecca realizes that Will has turned into a prematurely old fuddy-duddy devoid of all social graces.

    The story's attempt to blend romance with humor results in a narrative that is more absurd than charming.

    The book's premise is intriguing, but the execution falls short, leaving readers with a sense of disappointment.

LibroFulltime · 2021-08-10
delightful 4.50

This novel is full of vibrant characters and humorous moments, making it a delightful read. It captures the essence of life with keen observations and a touch of comedy.

This novel is a charming exploration of life's little moments, filled with colorful characters and witty observations. The author's ability to blend humor with poignant insights makes the story engaging and enjoyable. The narrative is rich with detail, and the characters are brought to life in a way that feels both authentic and entertaining. It's a book that invites readers to reflect on their own lives and the people they encounter, all while enjoying a good laugh along the way. The author's writing style is particularly noteworthy, as it effortlessly weaves together the mundane and the extraordinary, creating a tapestry of everyday life that is both relatable and captivating.

Quick quotes

    A lovely novel, full of characters and colour, little moments of observation, and also very funny.

    The author's ability to blend humor with poignant insights makes the story engaging and enjoyable.

    It's a book that invites readers to reflect on their own lives and the people they encounter.

Single White Female Writer · 2017-03-14
unengaging 2.00

This book felt like a character study, but the characters were neither likeable nor memorable. It had a strange and unengaging narrative.

This book felt like a character study, but it fell short in making the characters relatable or memorable. The narrative felt disjointed and unengaging, which made it difficult to connect with the story on a deeper level. The characters' quirks and behaviors were often odd and unappealing, which detracted from the overall reading experience. While the author's writing style is typically praised, this particular book felt more like a writing exercise than a fully realized novel. The lack of depth in the characters and the strange plot developments left a lot to be desired, making it a less satisfying read compared to other works by the same author.

Quick quotes

    This book felt like a writing exercise, a character study.

    However, none of the characters were likeable or memorable, they all had strange and unappealing behaviors.

    The narrative felt disjointed and unengaging, which made it difficult to connect with the story.

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