Tapestry of Fortunes: Book Review

By Wendy Robards

Tapestry of Fortunes, by Elizabeth Berg.

Don't we all want company in some form, are we not attracted to the idea of a body beside us in a thunderstorm, or another voice to help decide on dinner; to share astonishment at the latest political buffoonery or appreciation for the lush sets on Downtown Abbey? Are we not, at our most basic, social animals, people who need other people, whether we want to or not? - from Tapestry of Fortunes -

Cecelia Ross is reeling when her best friend dies of cancer. A motivational speaker who often does not follow her own advice, Cece feels lost and alone. Impulsively she decides to take a leave of absence from her work, sell her home, and move into an apartment with three female roommates. She also receives an unexpected postcard from an old boyfriend -- a man whom she once loved and has never truly forgotten.

Tapestry of Fortunes explores female friendship and healing from loss, as well as rediscovering connections with others.

Elizabeth Berg has long been a favorite author of mine when I want to sit down and read a novel with strong female characters. So I was a little disappointed with this latest effort. I really wanted to love Cece and her new found friends, but everything felt very contrived to me. I couldn't fully believe how fast the friendship between Cece, Joni, Renie and Lise developed ... and the impulsive decision for them to pick up and make a long journey together felt a little unbelievable.

Despite these shortcomings, I did finish the novel and it was an okay read for me. Berg's prose can be spare and insightful, and I liked the themes of change and personal growth which she explored in the book. Readers who have loved previous work by this author might be a bit disappointed with Tapestry of Fortunes -- but if you are looking for a light, quick read, this one might just appeal to you.

Other reviews of books I've read by Elizabeth Berg:

★ ★ ★

FTC Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher for review on my blog.

Rating System

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ = Excellent
★ ★ ★ ★ = Good/Very Good
★ ★ ★ = Okay read
★ ★ = Not recommended
★ = Ugh! Don't waste your time.

Catch all of Wendy Robard's reviews in her fabulous blog, "Caribousmom".