[.ca] Evenings at Five: A Novel and Five New Stories (ISBN 0345461037)

maybe too young to fully appreciate:
First off, the drawings reminded me strongly of the illustrator of the "Al" children's books. Since I loved those books, I was already well disposed toward "Evenings at Five." But this book though it expressed the stages of grief beautifully just did not go deep enough. I may have been spoiled by Godwin's previous books which are meaty and filled to bursting with provocative ideas and fascinating characters. Perhaps if I were reading it through the lens of grieving, I would have come away more impressed.

Still waters run deep:
I loved "Evensong", "The Good Husband" and Godwin's "Father Melancholy's Daughter" but before I bought this book I read the introduction just to be sure I'd enjoy the topic. I was drawn in immediately by her initial descriptions of her mindset for the book because she almost desribes it as autobiographical fiction. Robert Starer, the author's companion of nearly 30 years passed away not long ago so the tone of this book is a reflective, fictional celebration of their cocktail hour "Evenings at Five". (The title and tenor is almost too reminiscent of "Tuesdays with Morrie" but inspiration is inpiration.) The characters, Christina and Rudy, are both creative minds who debrief their days together between themselves and among those they loved in their life together. Rudy becomes ill and their lives are altered but they continue to enjoy moments of humor and company. Christina's reflections of grief afterward are so dignified and genuine. Godwin's use of sentence structure is appealing to me and her books are always a gentle read. Given the topic of the book you might think it melancholy but it isn't really to me. I would call it poignantly reflective. Her books are some of my favorites. I hope you enjoy it too.

Midwest Book Review:
What do Pope John Paul, a serrated knife fondly known as Ralph, and a bottle of gin have in common? Artfully, with humor and tenderness, Gail Godwin weaves the Pope, Ralph, and Bombay Sapphire gin into a loving testament. Every evening at five, Rudy builds his wife a drink with loving precision. and announces that "the Pope has called." Rudy is a composer and hears music; Christina is a writer lost in a world of words. But somehow, despite their differences, for 28 years their marriage works. When Rudy dies, his formidable presence no longer holds center stage in Christina's life. The gifted linguist and world traveller with a mellifluous voice "one octave below God's" is gone. Stripped of his presence, Christina is reduced to drinking her gin alone and conversing with Rudy's chair every evening at five. It's Christina's recollections of Rudy that makes Evenings at Five a standout. She reads his appointment diaries, kept through their years together, reliving the chronicle of his life. She listens to his music, composed one note on top of another until he reached a glorious symmetry - much like their life together. His is a powerful and lingering presence that defies death. Christina's memories are a delightful read, despite the sobering subject. Ms. Godwin's skill as best selling wordsmith proves itself once again in this latest book. Evenings at Five transcends death and loss, guiding each reader to an individual finale.

MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW:
As I began this read I was intriqued by the two characters that were being presented to me. Two artists, one gifted with music and one gifted with words, merging together as one. Within the creases of the words that I read, I could feel the unity and the respect these two souls had one for another. As I continued on, I could feel the absence as the one soul is taken on to their eternal destiny leaving the other to exist alone, or is she? "Evenings At Five" is a look at continuing love after death. It is the heart of a soul that clings to not just the memory but the lingering essence of a love that will never die. It is a reminder to cherish the moments we have with those we love and to know within ourselves that despite the physical absence the joining of hearts can never be separated. A deep meaningful read, well worth your time. Shirley Johnson/Senior Reviewer MidWest Book Review Denise's Pieces

Evenings at Five:
I was caught by the cover and pencil drawings, but once inside, I felt trapped. I've been that route of grieving myself, and it didn't ring true. It had an elitist, and narcisstic tone to it. And why did the author bother to disguise it as fiction, and touch so lightly on the alchoholism? I found the rememdy for grief was to turn outward, not inward.