The Dearly Departed

by Elinor Lipman

Book Overview

With her trademark humor and warmth, the beloved author of The Ladies' Man and The Inn at Lake Devine explores going home again; about finding light in the dark corners of one's inhospitable past;... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0375724583
• Release Date: August 2002
• Publisher: Vintage
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.0" x 0.7" x 5.3"

Customer Reviews

A great little read

This was my first Elinor Lipman book and I am currently reading a second one. I enjoyed this book very much. Nothing too deep or dark, just a cast of interesting and nice people dealing with the quirks of life. I am always excited to find a good woman author, and some of the previous reviewers said this book is not her best, so I must be in for even better reads in the future. I plan on reading all of her books.

another winner from Elinor

I really liked this book. I know other reviewers have mentioned that it is not as good as her other books and maybe it's not. However, the worst Elinor Lipman book is better than most other author's best book. When I'm looking for light, smart, fast moving, funny books she's the author I turn to. Her books are not literary masterpieces just good fun reads filled with quirky characters.

Light but delectable, like Key Lime Pie

Seems like a lot of light fiction I've read of late contains better plot and character development than the "serious literature" out there. This is a great example: it won't make you ponder the meaning of life, but it sure is fun to read. Plus, if you're an aspiring writer you could do worse than study the economy and grace with which Lipman sketches characters and scenes. If (as I expect) someone turns it into a "chick flick" I for one won't hesitate to cross gender barriers to see it. Pick this one up for your next airline flight; I guarantee you'll enjoy it, even if you finish it before you get up to the ticket counter.

My Favorite Author Strikes Again

Elinor Lipman has written another perfect book for summertime reading--a witty, wry commentary on social conventions combined with characters with whom most readers would want to invite to the next party. I started this Friday evening and finished it before I left the beach on Saturday afternoon. Much to my dismay, I read them far more quickly than Lipman can write them. I anxiously await the next group of characters she'll introduce to me.

Her best yet - - and that's saying a lot.

I've been a fan since "Into Love and Out Again" was first published. Elinor Lipman's books are always sheer delight. Once again she combines brilliant character insights with hilarious plot turns and a light touch...I read this book in one sitting. Nobody does a better job of combining serious fiction with entertainment. Highly recommended.