The War of the Roses

by Warren Adler

Book Overview

Oliver and Barbara Rose thought they had a perfect marriage, only to discovertheir marriage was skin deep. This story was made into a major motion picturewith Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0446512206
• ISBN13: 9780446512206
• Release Date: January 1981
• Publisher: Warner Books (NY)
• Length: 263 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Mrs Rose has an epiphany...

triggered by the realization that her husband is a mere mortal, rather than the immortal perfection she has perceived him, and their life together, to be, which leads to mayhem. If one cannot have perfection in those whom we love, then naturally, we must transfer that misplaced love to something that really is perfect! Or so it seems they think, as a battle royale ensues over the perfect decor in their perfect house, in the perfect neighborhood, and to the exclusion of their perfect children, no less. I read this book because I've been a fan since seeing the movie, and the book is always better, supposedly, and that is true in this case, as usual. This book is a tragic comedy about the ludicrous behavior that can result when love between people is replaced with an obsession with belongings. A sad, but too often true, commentary on the rampant materialism of today's world.

how can this book be out of print

Very very funny book. Stayed up late, read it in one sitting, laughing all the way. NO way this book should be out of print. Dan has talent in the same league as Sedaris.

On the wrong track...

I have seen several reviews of this book which were negative. I have also seen the movie. The conclusion that I have come to is that most people--including the script writers--have missed the main point of the book. The impression that I have is that everyone thinks this book is about the moral destruction that divorce can cause. Admittedly, there is a lot of this in the book. Still, I feel that the main point is that the moral destruction isn't caused by the divorce so much as it is the passion for material objects. The Roses define who they are by what they own, and giving away any part of what they own must therefore diminish who they are. As a result, the only outcome of a property division is obviously a fight to the death. Not even the children matter as much. And the finale, with the children following the parents' footsteps, is truly chilling. One does indeed sympathize with Anne. In the end, remember that this book was written in 1981. Don't read it as a black comedy on the horrors of divorce. Read it as a black comedy on the horror of the onset of the Yuppie phenomenon.

Negative, Realisitic, and Gritty, but the best book ive read

I was obsessed over the movie for a long time and when I read this book it had the same theme and characters but it was vastly different than the movie. The ending was almost the same, but it was shocking how much they did to each other. Everyone seems to think it was about materialism only. I disagree. It was about investing twenty years of your life and wanting something to show for it, and I think their anger and revenge stemmed more from an attitude of 'How dare you waste my life' or 'How dare you ruin our family' that it was more the main theme than the house. The house just happened to be caught in the crossfire. It definetly makes you think, and is by far one of my favorite books.

This book and movie changed my life.

It sent the message that material things can be dangerous in any relationship. I have read this book many times and each time I read it, it reinforces that idea.

Hard to find but worth the search

It's Adler's best book, and yes, it's better than the movie. A funny, scary look at how far people can go when everything is at stake.