Say When Paperback – 19 April 2004

This book did seem a little "light" - I wished there were more to it, because I felt as if there really was more to say (to be written) about these two people. But, Elizabeth Berg is one author I will continue to read and look forward to her work - and maybe because I am an author, I understand that not every book one writes will be a best seller or will please all or new or previous "fans"/readers--there are books that just are what they are and we tell them in the truths we know and hope for the best!What I liked about this book was how there was a gentleness to it - two people, husband and wife, who spiraled out and beyond each other. Though the husband was clueless and complacent and his wife complained that "he never listened," actually she never really tried to tell him how she felt and expected him to "just understand her." This is real - this is how things realistically are in some marriages. Ellen's actions were extreme and impulsive, and Griffin's actions were near the opposite. Yet, I wanted their marriage to "make it" and I won't spoil it here to say if it did, or didn't, or something in between, but I liked them both enough to wish it for them, and for their daughter.At first, Ellen comes off as unlikeable - she has the affair but asks Griffin to leave their home. But as the novel progresses, and I came to know Ellen better, I was intrigued by her and felt a tenderness towards her--I did as well for Griffin. Again, I wish there had been more to the book because I wanted Berg to dig a little deeper. That said, a part of me was happy to read this quickly drawn story of two people who love each other but lived in their own little worlds--one happy, one not so much. That love was apparent and what kept me reading with hope.The shining star of this novel was their daughter Zoe - she came across bold and smart and enjoyable. I think she was more 3-dimensional, while her parents were not as fully developed--or perhaps it was only Ellen who was not as developed in the story, as we read through Griffin's eyes - a bit of the "unreliable narrator" device going on there!All in all, an enjoyable gentle book that I read in about two or three nights, and I looked forward to seeing what would evolve and what would happen with these two--but yes, it ended too soon. Yet, sometimes that's all I need - just a quick flash of a read-- and when it's Berg, well, I'm left with a big pleasurable sigh once I put it down.

I bought this book with high hopes of loving it but it was hit and miss, the first half. I almost stopped reading it, bored with the script of Ellen leaving, Ellen's feelings, Ellen's selfishness, Ellen's everything. I couldn't connect with her like I have done with other characters Ms. Berg has written about. She seemed not to have the depth and empathy. Griffin's character got better as the book went on and seeing how he developed in his feelings about himself and his marriage and role as a parent.I'm glad I stuck with it, but have enjoyed other books of hers much more. The ending was expected but not too perfect as some novels are, with everything wrapped up with a bow.

This was a fascinating book in many ways. I love Berg's writing and I liked many things about this book, but I couldn't rate it higher because I didn't believe in these people. I liked Frank and I felt bad for him, but I wanted to smack him for allowing Ellen to indulge her immature behavior. And I wanted to shake her for being so immature and self-centered and selfish. On the plus side, even a less-than-wonderful book by Berg is better than the best other writers can produce. Still, I'd recommend waiting for the paperback before plunking down a big chunk of cash for the hardcover.

I enjoyed this and loved that the narration was from the male point of view, as this isn't often found in novels. It was redundant occasionally, but I think that was merely a part of the character's personality. I've read other of her works. Very good women's fiction novel.

Another terrific novel by Elizabeth Berg. “Say When” offers an insightful glance into a marriage that’s been eroding for years. When Griffin and Ellen finally take an honest look at their past relationship, both realize the mistakes they’ve made…but is too late to salvage? An excellent read. RECOMMENDED…