The Ladies' Man

by Elinor Lipman

Book Overview

From the bestselling author of The Inn at Lake Devine ("Rivals her own best work for its understanding of the way smart, opinionated people stumble toward happiness"--Glamour) and Isabel's Bed ("It's Fannie Farmer for the soul . . . delivered in a delicious style that is both funny and elegant"--USA Today) comes a darkly romantic comedy of manners that confirms Elinor Lipman's appointment to the Jane Austen chair in modern American sensibility. Thirty...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 037570731X
• ISBN13: 9780375707315
• Release Date: April 2000
• Publisher: Vintage
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.2" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

A lovely read for any woman!!

I thoroughly enjoyed this lively, witty and funny book by Elinor Devine. Some may carp about the plausibility of three sisters living together - I would say that the world of the Dobbin sisters is one that many of us would envy! Revolving around the irresponsible, incorrigible and irrascible Harvey Nash - a womanizer extroidainaire - Ladies Man manages to transcend the easy route to making him a villian - instead, the self-aware reader cannot help but chuckle as the women in Harvey's life manage to make fools of themselves ( Been there, bear the scars, ladies????...). With affection, humor and a keen eye for the over-40 single life, Ms. Lipman takes the reader on a whirlwind of raised-dsahed-raised expectations - and a lovely ride it is!!!

A Very Satisfying Read

I think this one is my favorite Elinor Lipman. The style of the writing is a little different, but you can get into it immediately. The story of the 3 sisters, their brother, an ex-fiance, his women, and the sister's new men is frankly just wonderful. This book is funny and witty (I think those are two separate things), insightful and touching. Altogether, a very satisfying read. And Harvey-Nash-Harvey - what a great character! I'm thinking we all know a guy like him - maybe we've dated him, or our friend has, or he's a relative - but we all know someone like him - a charming loser of a guy that always seems to land on his feet. My one wish - that there had been a little more about the brother and his romantic ups and downs.

Sassy, Classy and Fun!

I loved the Dobbin sisters and their quirky attitudes toward life. That they're all still sharing an apartment together 30 years after Harvey Nash (now Nash Harvey)dumped oldest sister, Adele, on the evening of their engagement is perfect irony. From their setting up empty glass bottles inside their apartment door as an inexpensive burglar alarm to the surprising love lives of each of them, you can't help but fall in love with this unusual family. Nash Harvey is the character you love to hate, who picks up women at the drop of a hat, and has never once committed to anything but his reflection in the mirror. He tries his charms on each of the sisters and the results are hilarious. Great book and wonderful, sassy characters!!!!

Elinor Lipman Rules! Give her 10 Satrs!

Elinor Lipman needs an endorsement like a hole in the head. If you don't own this book, buy it now. Ms. Lipman is one of the most arresting and delightful writers today. She dances with words and characters as though they were precious gems, some glisten with their polished portrayal and others exist to demonstrate our human imperfections. Harvey Dash sounds like someone I used to date - the classic bottom of the pile guy with a geiger counter for a libido, clicking like mad when within proximity of a possible encounter with any opportunity, and I mean - any. Men like him are a waste of food - but you won't regret one moment you give to Ms. Lipman's work. Better yet, buy them all! I recommend her work every chance I get!

Divine

I am reading The Ladies Man very, very slowly, because I don't want to lose it. I want to be always by my bedside, in case of emergency -- like a revolver. Her way with dialogue and character is simply a joy - I fully agree with the comparisons to Austen. Lipman has adroitly nailed the archetype of the diehard, attention-and-heat-seeking-missile-bachelor to perfection. As a novel it is nimble, sustaining, and frankly delicious. In the place I am at in the book, the veal cassarole has just come down on Harvey's head, and he is playing it for all it is worth --can he get some sex out of this?- you can hear him calculating, as gravy slides down his forehead. Great scene. I can't wait to see what happens, and yet I am also loathe to see it end. Divine, and certainly worth every penny.