Tapestry of Fortunes: A Novel

I've been a fan of Elizabeth Berg since I happened upon Joy School at a Bethesda Thrift Shop one winter. The title attracted me because I like books in which the characters end up finding their way to joy as a sense of satisfaction and peace with themselves and their circumstances, or a sense of being true to themselves. That's what I've found with most all of Berg's books, including this one. So I was surprised to see so many negative and lukewarm reviews, many of which complain that everything was too neatly wrapped up too quickly, but my only problem with this book is that it is simply too short. Just when I was getting attached to the characters, the story ended. And yes, it's unrealistic that Cece sold her house (and its contents) within a day, and that Renie (who had a major chip on her shoulder at first) opened up and confided her deepest secrets to Cece so quickly. But similar things happen in other books by Berg and I just think of it as her way of getting to the more meaningful parts of the story quicker, so I really don't mind suspending my disbelief. And I don't read Elizabeth Berg books because I need everything that happens to be well thought out to the last detail. I read her books because I enjoy her style of writing and the way she draws me into the characters' emotions, and often there are some very insightful nuggets of real-life wisdom. But since this book seemed so short, I'll be expecting her next book to be extra long to make up for it. :)

Is it possible to reinvent ourselves at a late stage of life?When Cecilia Ross (Cece), a motivational speaker and writer of self-help books, loses her best friend Penny to death, she is at that point in her life when nothing seems worthwhile any longer. And then one day she receives a postcard from Dennis, the love of her life, someone she has not seen in many years. And he's back in the states.What an opportunity, Cece thinks. If she can find the courage. Is it possible to find each other again?Almost as if she is guided by Penny, Cece decides to sell her house and finds another home where she can rent a room. She has been considering this possibility for awhile, so she takes that leap of faith. Her new roommates are of varied ages, and for some reason, they all fall into a comfortable compatibility. As they all begin to share with one another, there is a realization.Each of them has someone they want to reconnect with, so a road trip is in order. Tapestry of Fortunes: A Novel  is a wonderful read that reminded me of all the lost moments in my own life, and also served as a beacon of how hope, faith, and a special kind of courage can lead us where we need to go.My favorite parts of any Berg novel are how she brings the characters and settings to life. I could visualize the people and the rooms in the big house where the women came together in their newly reinvented lives. And then again, I could see Cece, near the end, as she began again. I like this sentiment that seems to sum up the journey:"Now I look again at the people gathered in my backyard, feeling a deep appreciation for the events that brought us all together: We are a convergence of fates, a tapestry of fortunes in colors both somber and bright, each contributing equally to the Whole."I am never disappointed by any book that brings out those real-life moments we all experience sooner or later. And I revel in them. Five stars.

I was widowed at age 39 after my husband lost his battle with cancer. Most of my mourning was done during his illness, and I was almost grateful when his fight ended. I immediately visited my mother, who was also widowed young. We spent hours talking about my future as a single woman. Her best advice was to put one foot in front of the other and move on. That chapter of my life was over; thus it was time to start anew.As a career woman, I could easily return to my long days as a member of a startup company. Aside from the intense work, I realized the number of friends I had in the company. Most were young and single and made an effort to include me in their activities. I also had my family and other supportive friends. During this time, I began to relish my alone time. Although I missed my husband, I felt free as a bird. I was responsible only to myself.I heeded the advice of many who discouraged making drastic changes. This is where Elizabeth Berg and I parted ways. There is a huge difference between being alone and being lonely. I could not imagine any thing less palatable than selling my home and renting a room in a house with three strangers, all of whom carried baggage. I realize that I was lucky to be able to keep my house and maintain my lifestyle, but if that had not been the case, I would have downsized to an apartment. To me, there was something pathetic about the road trip. In fact, the entire scenario, which I feel sure was intended to make the reader feel warm and fuzzy was completely unrealistic to me.I ultimately remarried, but I have many single woman friends who value their independence. Like my mother, they relish being alone. All of them lead active lives, but they prefer to set the rules. None of them needs to move to the equivalent of a sorority house to avoid loneliness because they are not lonely.To me. Elizabeth Berg is selling women short. Would a widower sell his house and move in with a bunch of guys? As someone who has experienced marriage and widowhood, I have no doubt that I would have been happy on my own. We women are much stronger than we are given credit for!

I loved every second of this book. Elizabeth Berg has such a warm, gentle style. The reader feels and experiences every sentence.

She is a fantastic writer and i find her books soothing and so gripping.A pleasurable reading experience for the reader.

wonderful story