When Lynn Darling met Lee Lescaze at the Washington Post, they could not have been more different. He was older, married, more “establ...
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Jul 24, 2010
Suzy
rated it: 
I usually put a book down as soon as it becomes clear that adultery is the topic. It's sort of like my distaste for horror movies. I don't know why I am so sensitive to the topic of cheating, but I am. In the case of Shyamalan, I make an exception for movies, though, and in the case of adultery, I made an exception for Lynn Darling. I hope she has written other books. What prevented me from quitting this memoir of the initially adulterous affair of two Washington Post writers was Lynne Darl
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Jan 31, 2010
Linda Branham
rated it: 
Necessary Sins is a lovely memoir for the author's marriage to Lee Lescaze, which ended with his death from cancer at the age of 57.
This is the story of her affair with Lescaze, which began when he was married to his first wife. Acutely conscious of the pain inflicted on others through her choices, Darling unsparingly holds herself accountable for this damage, while cherishing the memory of what she and Lescaze built in their relationship.
Each sentence pays tribute to Lescaze and t More...
This is the story of her affair with Lescaze, which began when he was married to his first wife. Acutely conscious of the pain inflicted on others through her choices, Darling unsparingly holds herself accountable for this damage, while cherishing the memory of what she and Lescaze built in their relationship.
Each sentence pays tribute to Lescaze and t More...
Sep 07, 2007
Emily
rated it:
The book's based on Lynn Darling's life, beginning in her mid 20's through to about the age of 60. All I can say is that when you feel lost in any aspect of your life this book makes you feel a little less lonely and gives you a sense of hope about the future.
Be prepared to cry though. It will cause a few tears.
I'm such a nerd I actually pulled some quotes. Here are some examples:
“You know what it’s like when you first see Pompeii? It feels like it happene More...
Be prepared to cry though. It will cause a few tears.
I'm such a nerd I actually pulled some quotes. Here are some examples:
“You know what it’s like when you first see Pompeii? It feels like it happene More...
Jun 05, 2007
meredith
rated it:
what i learned from this book:
love is messy and complicated and beautiful and worth fighting for. so is your self-hood. lynn darling is so brave in this memoir. and i dare you as a young or old woman reader to read her words and not relate to them. we've all committed necessary sins, and these are indeed necessary -- they've made the narrator the woman she is today, strong enough to stand on her own two feet, share her story with the world. an inspiration. a heartsong.
love is messy and complicated and beautiful and worth fighting for. so is your self-hood. lynn darling is so brave in this memoir. and i dare you as a young or old woman reader to read her words and not relate to them. we've all committed necessary sins, and these are indeed necessary -- they've made the narrator the woman she is today, strong enough to stand on her own two feet, share her story with the world. an inspiration. a heartsong.
Apr 14, 2008
Mary
rated it:
What an amazing love story. If you are able to get past passing judgement on how this relationship begins, you will discover a marriage that passes many tests and a couple that finds what many couples never do. I did not want this book to end. Very curious what the remaining family members feel about Lynn sharing so many details of her families past, but I'm so glad she did. What an incredible story. I was so sorry to see it end and wish her well.
Dec 03, 2008
Lori
rated it:
Lynn Darling was very brave to write such a memoir -- and I'm glad she did. At many times raw, at other times touching, it will make you think about the choices you make in your life. And it very well might make you cry.
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Jan 07, 2008
Kristine
rated it: 
I was disappointed in this book. It's about two reporters at the Washington Post who have an affair. I was hoping to learn more about journalism at the Post, but it's a memoir written by a very self-centered person, who never wanted to grow up. I think it grated more on me because the last book I read was about another insecure woman. I'm amazed she was able to have a career in journalism with her work ethic.
Aug 23, 2007
Jennifer
rated it:
a surprisingly insightful at look at the decisions we make in life. typical but prudent questions arise in abundance such as:
*are we punished on earth for our so-called sins?
*knowing then what you know now, would you have acted differently?
*was it worth it?
not exactly an uplifting tale - but it is a moving piece of writing and a brutal yet beautifully honest view into one life.
*are we punished on earth for our so-called sins?
*knowing then what you know now, would you have acted differently?
*was it worth it?
not exactly an uplifting tale - but it is a moving piece of writing and a brutal yet beautifully honest view into one life.
Jun 13, 2007
Amber
rated it:
Lynn Darling is an amazing writer and a great inspiration. This is a book merely about a love that is forbidden. Darling takes you every step of the way though her judgement and decisions as she recalls the many memories from a part of her life.. a part in which many people would have kept secret. You will laugh, you will cry, but most of all you will be able to relate in some way.
Mar 03, 2008
Lisa
rated it:
Interesting to newsies like me who find anything that happens in a newsroom interesting. The author is still feeling guilty, though, and I expected more of a great love story than I got.
Mar 18, 2009
Hannah
rated it:
One of those books that you simply cannot explain why it is so good. I love Lynn Darling. I love Lee Lescaze despite his adulterous ways. I love how unexpectedly sad this book makes me.
Apr 28, 2008
Kelcey
rated it: 
First book I ever bought at Target. I enjoyed an excerpt by Darling in Vivian Gornick's The Situation and the Story, but I didn't love this quite as much.
Mar 05, 2008
Nicole
rated it:
self-indulgent story of a Washington Post writer's affair with a married Post editor. Very nice writing, but over-romanticized.
Feb 29, 2008
Molly
rated it:
eh. Rather self indulgent. I do have an insatiable need these days to read about early motherhood, and this included a little on that
Oct 02, 2008
I like Darling's clean, crisp writing style. Easy reading but with depth. She takes reader through a range of emotions.
Dec 16, 2009
Sharon
rated it:
Poignant memoir about a young women in the 70's coming into her own and falling in love--if only it was that easy...
Nov 24, 2007
Amy
rated it:
It's a little weird because its a love story told from the mistresses point of view.
Oct 20, 2009
Monica
rated it:
Maybe 4 stars? I dunno. Nice to see a book from a mistress's point of view.
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