Fly Away Home [Anglais] [Broché]

Sylvie Serfer Woodruff, wife of Senator Richard Woodruff has spent her entire marriage supporting her husband, even at the expense of their daughters, Lizzie, 24 and Diana, 30. The story opens with an affair he had with an intern hits the media fan. For once, Sylvie does not stand by her man. She tells him to hit the road, Jack and she returns to her girlhood home in Connecticut. (Sylvie's name is a play on words - Silver Surfer is not too far a jump from "Sylvie Serfer.")

Diana was the only character I actively disliked. She is a driven doctor, unhappily married to a man she met while on the rebound. The couple have a 6-year-old son named Milo who has Asperger's. Although the term is never used in the novel, it is clear that Milo has Asperger's. He wears a hat inside and outside of the house to block out noises; is bound to routines and eats only certain items. Diana has an affair with a med student that blows up in her face. I can't say I felt sorry for her when her lover jilted her. In her case, I thought it served her right. Harsh and judgmental, it is hypocritical on her part for her of all people to turns her back on her father for marital infidelity.

Lizzie, home from a rehab center in Minnesota is trying to pick up her life. She has sworn off substances and Diana hires her as a nanny for Milo. Lizzie and Milo bond and they go sightseeing throughout Philadelphia, where Diana has moved. Lizzie is a very sympathetic character. While Diana has long been harsh and unaccepting of her, I just loved it when Lizzie catches Diana and her lover in flagrante delicto. I thought it served Diana right, especially after she ousted Lizzie from her home.

Lizzie meets a really kind man in a coffee shop. One can cheer for her as she was in dire need of a good friend, a good person in her life and a chance to shine. You just cheer at their burgeoning relationship.

Sylvia, Lizzie and Diana each have a voice in this book. Each chapter is heralded of the name of the character who is narrating it. Readers gain the perspectives of each of the Woodruff women.

As the novel progresses, deeper emotions and previous issues are brought to light. Lizzie's anguish is revealed. The genesis of her trauma took place when a 16-year-old boy forced her to perform a sexual act. Sadly, Sylvie goes along with Richard to cover it up because the boy's father is a huge political backer. That is a decision that will cost Sylvie more than the huge contribution to the campaign.

Diana's unceremonious dumping by her college boyfriend Hal never really left her. She still pines for him, even after she is married. Nobody could blame Diana's husband for his anger at her infidelity. Many was the time when I wanted to kick Diana in the shins.

The women, like three braided strands intertwine and reunite. They regroup at Sylvie's girlhood home where Sylvie discovers a flair for and a love for cooking. She reconnects with an old friend named Tim who sounded like a truly nice person. The women discover where their loyalties really lie and what decisions are right for them.

This is an excellent novel, chick lit at its best. I love this book and am avidly following other works by this gifted author. Jennifer Weiner is gifted at presenting interpersonal relationships and how they are an ever-changing work in progress. With the exception of Diana, I found myself cheering for the characters and wishing them well. I will admit that I was somewhat disappointed at the ending, but in the context of the characters it was not surprising.

Like the ever-changing ebb and flow of emotions that remain unending, you will not want this book to end either.