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Looking Back
by
Belva Plain
New York Times bestselling author Belva Plain goes to the heart of what it means to be a woman, a wife, and a friend, in her powerful new novel—a story of love and betrayal that measures the limits of loyalty, friendship, and forgiveness.
They met at school and have been inseparable ever since: Cecile, confident, elegant daughter of privilege; Norma, extraordinarily gifted ...more
They met at school and have been inseparable ever since: Cecile, confident, elegant daughter of privilege; Norma, extraordinarily gifted ...more
Mass Market Paperback, 400 pages
Published
July 22nd 2009
by Dell
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The first thought that came to my mind after reading this book was, "I wish I could write like that." It wasn't so much as an original story--it was actually just snippets of many that have been retold many times, put together to present a new angle to the picture. I liked this book because the execution of its plots/subplots was so tangible that I actually had to stop reading at intervals to prep up for what was to happen next. It had that smooth-flowing sense to its words that allows...more
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I think this book is well written the charachters are well drawn and are quite believable. The is no neat closure at the end of the book. I like that it felt more real.
I personally could not like this book due to the way it ends. I understand that the ending is probably really realistic and what could actually happen. However, I was so disgusted by Norma and her total lack of conscience that I never quite got over it.
In that this book left a lasting impression on me, I w...more
I personally could not like this book due to the way it ends. I understand that the ending is probably really realistic and what could actually happen. However, I was so disgusted by Norma and her total lack of conscience that I never quite got over it.
In that this book left a lasting impression on me, I w...more
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Slower moving yet captivating unraveling of family and with hindsight we all know that things could have been dealt with more admirably. I truly believe that Belva Plain has a voice all her own and it comes from real-life drama within families.
This novel was an eye opener and yet not too surprising with how things unfolded although I was caught up with what happened to the family. I strongly believe that family is the most important thing and family must always remain full of unco...more
This novel was an eye opener and yet not too surprising with how things unfolded although I was caught up with what happened to the family. I strongly believe that family is the most important thing and family must always remain full of unco...more
I enjoy Belva Plain's books but this one was a little different. It didn't draw me in as much as some of her others, I always felt like I was an observer rather then the way some books make me feel as if I'm the character. I liked the story but it wasn't your typical happy ending romance-type.
Mary
rated it
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review of another edition
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review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Anyone who enjoys contemporary fiction
Recommended to Mary by:
Bookmooch
They were the most unlikely friends - kind, rich Cecile, brave, talented Norma and Amanda the poor girl they met at college. But behind the facade lies a secret that could tear the three friends apart. I was searching for a picture to go in this post and came across some reviews of Looking Back - the majority of the readers didn't like the book at all. I have to admit that I loved this book myself but then, I love Belva Plain's work. In my opinion, she was a brilliant author. She will be missed ...more
I finished this book earlier today and am still confused by the ending. I had to read the last page several times but still am perplexed. Overall this was a good book...another one about friendship. I could not find closure at the end.
This story tells of three college friends and what happens to them. It did keep me interested. I do like Belva Plain.
This ended up being a depressing book for me.
2 of the 3 college girlfriends committed separate deeds that shattered many of their loved ones' lives.
2 of the 3 college girlfriends committed separate deeds that shattered many of their loved ones' lives.
I hate to leave a book unread once I start but, I wish I had never picked up this book. It was one of Belva's worst stories in my opinion. And she is one of my favorite authors.
A little slow starting but after 4 chapters I really got into their lives and personalities.
Picked this up at a book sale. Interesting at best.
Bonus Book - July 2004
Enjoyed but wasn't crazy about ending.
A bit slow in places.
Love this author.
An entertaining story of three college friends and how their lives intertwine in the coming years.
I enjoyed this book like I enjoy all Of Belva Plain's books. One thing that I really liked...in alot of books, everyone is beautiful, rich, etc., but, in this book, people were normal...they weren't all beautiful, and they all had some sort of everyday problems. One thing that was different, compared to endings of many books, was that it really wasn't a happy ending.
This book is set in modern times however all the characters talk and act like they should be part of their parent's generation which gives the story the feeling of being stuck in a kind of time-warp. On top of that complaint, the stories of these 3 old college buddies didn't really generate much interest with me. I ended up just skimming most of this book.
Wasn't sure I was going to enjoy Belva Plain in that it was a mystery or thriller. So far though it is pretty good.
This book was really good. About half way through it adds a really interesting twist, and it became a "can't put it down book." In that I read on my lunch hour, it became more and more difficult. Can't wait to read more Belva Plain.
This book was really good. About half way through it adds a really interesting twist, and it became a "can't put it down book." In that I read on my lunch hour, it became more and more difficult. Can't wait to read more Belva Plain.
This book is great. I enjoyed reading how the lives of the 3 friends evolved over time. This book shows that hurt sometimes comes from those closest to us.
The story of 3 friends and dealing with relationships, and betrayal and forgiveness. Not as good as the others by Plain but enjoyable nonetheless
Fasinating and so true the twists that happen in life. So much of this seems so real-like it happened. Powerful!
read it at some time. about 3 girls that met in college and the lives they live after.
It was ok. Nothing great. Enjoyable listen because it wasn’t too heavy.
I didn't finish this book. Didn't like what was happening
A really wonderful book, but a little long.
Belva Plain is a "formula writer"... but her stories are fairly entertaining... good beach-read stuff...
F Pla
Plain, Belva
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Belva Plain was a best-selling American author of mainstream women's fiction.
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