What do you think?
Rate this book
The Distance Between Us
When she rents out her attic apartment to a young college student, seventy-one-year-old Hester Parker, a music teacher and former concert pianist, finds an unlikely confidant who helps her reconnect with the outside world and reconcile with her family.
292 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2008
107 people are currently reading
494 people want to read
About the author
Bart Yates
8 books383 followersAuthor also writes as Noah Bly
Bart Yates was born in Cheyenne, WY, raised in Lamoni, IA, educated in Boston, MA, and now lives in Iowa City, IA, with the world's finest and most discerning cat.
In addition to writing, Yates is a musician, and plays clarinet, saxophone, and bass guitar.
His latest novel is THE VERY LONG, VERY STRANGE LIFE OF ISAAC DAHL, available in stores on July 23, 2024.
For personal blogs, reviews, and info about upcoming events, readers can visit his website: bartyates.com
Bart Yates was born in Cheyenne, WY, raised in Lamoni, IA, educated in Boston, MA, and now lives in Iowa City, IA, with the world's finest and most discerning cat.
In addition to writing, Yates is a musician, and plays clarinet, saxophone, and bass guitar.
His latest novel is THE VERY LONG, VERY STRANGE LIFE OF ISAAC DAHL, available in stores on July 23, 2024.
For personal blogs, reviews, and info about upcoming events, readers can visit his website: bartyates.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
September 2, 2025
I really, really enjoyed this book! It's got snark, sweetness, compassion and of course, love.
I like reading about dysfunctional families, who, in the end, sometimes find each other again. Alex is a wonderful character and I just loved Hester's humor.
(Noah Bly) Bart Yates never disappoints, this was my fith novel and thank god there are still more to be discovered.
I like reading about dysfunctional families, who, in the end, sometimes find each other again. Alex is a wonderful character and I just loved Hester's humor.
(Noah Bly) Bart Yates never disappoints, this was my fith novel and thank god there are still more to be discovered.
September 27, 2011
I just finished Bart Yates' most recent novel about an hour ago and immediately took the dogs on a long walk to enjoy the aftertaste. I read this book slowly, most of the time, a chapter or two at a time, until the last hundred or so pages, which I read today. No part of this book is overly fast paced or will ever have you on the edge of your seat. Neither is it really anything about gay relationships. One of the main supporting characters is gay, but it his sexual orientation didn't have much impact on the path of story. As I have stated before, I am thrilled to be able to count Bart Yates as an artist in our community. His writing doesn't revolve around sex and drugs, and although most of his writing revolves around pain, hurt, and even agony, he is able to explore such topics in a way that causes the reader to examine their own pain in a soothing way while finding beauty through it and seeing all the wonderfulness life has to offer. Truly a mastered and gifted writer, one that I aspire to come close to his level of artistry.
Despite the angst in this particular story, I found it to be a very soothing, relaxing read. No character was flat or one-dimensional. There was enough of a glimpse into everyone's path that it was easy to see how they had evolved to their current state. Every situation, whether invoking laughter or tears, was believable, and every choice was relatable. I never really wanted to read a novel from an old woman's perspective, but from the very first page, as she spoke with vanity of her smooth hands while casually damning the rest of her seventy year old body, I fell in love with Hester.
Given the rather 'Upper' class and careers of the family, it would have been easy to create a family that was both unsympathetic and un-relatable. Neither is true. Witty, heavy, and full of hope. It was the kind of book that made me text my boyfriend and tell him how much I love him when I closed the book for the final time.
Despite the angst in this particular story, I found it to be a very soothing, relaxing read. No character was flat or one-dimensional. There was enough of a glimpse into everyone's path that it was easy to see how they had evolved to their current state. Every situation, whether invoking laughter or tears, was believable, and every choice was relatable. I never really wanted to read a novel from an old woman's perspective, but from the very first page, as she spoke with vanity of her smooth hands while casually damning the rest of her seventy year old body, I fell in love with Hester.
Given the rather 'Upper' class and careers of the family, it would have been easy to create a family that was both unsympathetic and un-relatable. Neither is true. Witty, heavy, and full of hope. It was the kind of book that made me text my boyfriend and tell him how much I love him when I closed the book for the final time.
July 25, 2011
Boy, do I love novels about family dysfunction! (Wonder why?) Seriously, I thought this was a terrific book. A bit overwrought at times, yes, but a really powerful and emotionally compelling read. This is the story of a family in pieces, the stranger who comes into the middle of the chaos, and how everyone is changed by the experience. While reading this book I definitely could see it as a movie in my mind's eye. While not all the characters evoked sympathy, each was much more complicated than I expected. And while the story wrapped up much in the fashion I thought it might, how it got there was quite interesting.
February 28, 2019
I really enjoyed this book and loved the author’s writing style. The main character had a wicked sense of humor. I am saddened to see family members speak to each other in such a manner - mean spirited. Each of them had their own burdens. Highly recommend!
February 8, 2021
Is was a pleasure to read this book, considering I attempt dozens of others & end up discarding. Beautifully written, deeply expressive of family dysfunction that often occurs too often. I was caught up right away, reading with meals, totally absorbed. I like the cynical, sarcastic, hilarious humor, until it becomes mean, hateful & destructive. How I envy those who can use such humor so quickly. It did bother me that these three 'children' were so catered to, so pampered. I felt they were thoughtless, spoiled, disrespectful children who became the same kind of adults. I found no reprimands, limitations, guidance as to behavior. Yet, it enjoyed the read.
The wording was so imaginative and well said - some gray hair in beard like sprouts of mildew on basement walls - in a fit of temper an object is thrown & shattered - the next day response is referred to as redecorating - grief is rising up in me like rain in a pot hole - Perfect descriptions. Not once did I find the parts I so detest.... he said, she said, etc. This writer never did that, for he was cleaver to use the change of persons speaking in such a way one never had to be told just which character was speaking. I notice this specific issue because I very often use audiobooks. I look forward to finding Third House......
The wording was so imaginative and well said - some gray hair in beard like sprouts of mildew on basement walls - in a fit of temper an object is thrown & shattered - the next day response is referred to as redecorating - grief is rising up in me like rain in a pot hole - Perfect descriptions. Not once did I find the parts I so detest.... he said, she said, etc. This writer never did that, for he was cleaver to use the change of persons speaking in such a way one never had to be told just which character was speaking. I notice this specific issue because I very often use audiobooks. I look forward to finding Third House......
September 21, 2009
While I love two of his previous books, unfortunately, I have to diss this one. Sure, Mr. Yates writing flows nicely. However, it's very, VERY hard to like the characters in this book (except for Alex) because they're just so vicious and mean. It's difficult to like a book written in the 1st POV when you can't feel any sympathy for the narrator. Because you need to see the world from their eyes and if you can't understand, well, the book just fails to entertain. That's what I feel with this book. I just don't get Hester at all and I don't feel anything for her. In fact, I am glad when the book finished because I don't need to suffer reading her story again.
January 13, 2020
Another good book by Noah Bly
For anyone that read his previous book about Julia Dapper, I recommend this book. Only reason for 4 stars is that I had to put the book down from time to time to read my brain. Otherwise a perfectly wonderful read.
For anyone that read his previous book about Julia Dapper, I recommend this book. Only reason for 4 stars is that I had to put the book down from time to time to read my brain. Otherwise a perfectly wonderful read.
October 9, 2010
I don't think any book could ever be described as "perfect", but Bart Yates's The Distance Between Us comes much closer than I ever expected.
Growing up in a household where I was either making or listening to music at odd hours of the day and night, this novel struck me in the authenticity of Hester's passion for it. To her, it is more than a profession or a gift; it is life itself, and a language so wholly unique that it takes a kindred spirit to truly understand. All of this comes through in shadows of the past and her ongoing need for classical music in the background even when drinking herself into a tizzy.
Yates demonstrates a stunning command of language as he mixes plot with honest characterizations that show both the strengths and failures of each imaginary person involved. Each personality is distinct and stays true to itself even when demonstrating redeeming and condemning features. The repartee between members of the Donovan family is absolutely brilliant, and it broke my heart even as it made me laugh. It was so depressingly pathetic and hilarious that I couldn't help it.
Beyond that, the story slowly reveals itself through a combination of present day and flashback as Hester tries to remember just how her family fell apart. At first, it seems rather straightforward: her husband had an affair, her children took his side, and now a random tenant is keeping her company and preventing her from becoming that crotchety old lush in a fancy house. Bit by bit, however, the author introduces emotional depth, and purpose, in a way that flows naturally and drags you into the mechanisms of the disintegration of the Donovan household. The complexity of it, as well as the realness, is astounding and shows a great understanding of the human condition, more so because the ending isn't neat and tidy, but rather, it all plays out in a manner that one can believe in.
My one potential complaint about this novel was that the entire tale took place over the course of a one-month period. I feel as if I've made a yearlong journey, and the idea that all of it could have occurred over the span of thirty some-odd days seems almost preposterous. Looking back, however, the timeline does indeed fit; it just seems like a great deal of activity for such a short period of time. (There were also a few typographical errors towards the last few chapters, such as a dropped "I" or random spaces occurring in the middle of words. Luckily, I was too caught up to notice . . . much.)
Most books whose description includes such phrases as "formidable writer" and "unforgettable new novel" lend themselves to the possibility of being overblown. This novel, however, deserves all of those accolades and more.
Growing up in a household where I was either making or listening to music at odd hours of the day and night, this novel struck me in the authenticity of Hester's passion for it. To her, it is more than a profession or a gift; it is life itself, and a language so wholly unique that it takes a kindred spirit to truly understand. All of this comes through in shadows of the past and her ongoing need for classical music in the background even when drinking herself into a tizzy.
Yates demonstrates a stunning command of language as he mixes plot with honest characterizations that show both the strengths and failures of each imaginary person involved. Each personality is distinct and stays true to itself even when demonstrating redeeming and condemning features. The repartee between members of the Donovan family is absolutely brilliant, and it broke my heart even as it made me laugh. It was so depressingly pathetic and hilarious that I couldn't help it.
Beyond that, the story slowly reveals itself through a combination of present day and flashback as Hester tries to remember just how her family fell apart. At first, it seems rather straightforward: her husband had an affair, her children took his side, and now a random tenant is keeping her company and preventing her from becoming that crotchety old lush in a fancy house. Bit by bit, however, the author introduces emotional depth, and purpose, in a way that flows naturally and drags you into the mechanisms of the disintegration of the Donovan household. The complexity of it, as well as the realness, is astounding and shows a great understanding of the human condition, more so because the ending isn't neat and tidy, but rather, it all plays out in a manner that one can believe in.
My one potential complaint about this novel was that the entire tale took place over the course of a one-month period. I feel as if I've made a yearlong journey, and the idea that all of it could have occurred over the span of thirty some-odd days seems almost preposterous. Looking back, however, the timeline does indeed fit; it just seems like a great deal of activity for such a short period of time. (There were also a few typographical errors towards the last few chapters, such as a dropped "I" or random spaces occurring in the middle of words. Luckily, I was too caught up to notice . . . much.)
Most books whose description includes such phrases as "formidable writer" and "unforgettable new novel" lend themselves to the possibility of being overblown. This novel, however, deserves all of those accolades and more.
September 1, 2014
Bart Yates again writes a story full of intriguing, flawed characters that draw the reader into their world in such a full manner that we hang on every bad choice they make. The interesting thing here is that the main character, Hester, a piano virtuoso who is over seventy years old, is not a lead I was expecting. I assumed the young student would be our point of view but the author engaged me instantly, challenged any preconceived notions of what a tale told by an older person would be, and I am so glad I went along for the ride. We have no idea what she was like before her accident destroyed her wrist and her career. Imagine what you'd be like if you could never really do what you loved again. This poor family is plagued by talent, drama and tragedy and they quickly embroil the young student into their mad strife. Will he be better for having known them, or will his personal demons consume him faster as their plot unfolds? This is so well written that I flipped page after page to find out.
November 12, 2013
Bart Yates' characters are not always easy to like, but they aren't easy to dislike either. Hester is, at times, a royal bitch, but there are moments when the reader just has to feel for her. As her story unfolds and she reveals the reasons behind her bitterness, her sarcasm, and her pain, it is hard not to feel sympathetic toward her, as well as toward her family, from whom she is estranged.
The nerdy, English teacher in me has to like this book because of the allusions to The Scarlet Letter:
Hester Parker = Hester Prynne
Parker, however, does not suffer in silence. She does not hold back at all when faced with her soon to be ex-husband and the woman with whom he had an affair.
Alex Pearl, Hester Parker's young boarder = Pearl, Hester Prynne's daughter
Alex, like Prynne's Pearl, is a pearl of great price. His character gives Parker someone to love. He isn't perfect, but he gives her support and helps her face certain issues from her past.
Arthur Donovan, Hester Parker's husband = Arthur Dimmesdale, the minister who was the father of Prynne's child.
The nerdy, English teacher in me has to like this book because of the allusions to The Scarlet Letter:
Hester Parker = Hester Prynne
Parker, however, does not suffer in silence. She does not hold back at all when faced with her soon to be ex-husband and the woman with whom he had an affair.
Alex Pearl, Hester Parker's young boarder = Pearl, Hester Prynne's daughter
Alex, like Prynne's Pearl, is a pearl of great price. His character gives Parker someone to love. He isn't perfect, but he gives her support and helps her face certain issues from her past.
Arthur Donovan, Hester Parker's husband = Arthur Dimmesdale, the minister who was the father of Prynne's child.
June 10, 2009
Bart Yates presents a readable story that skims across the emotional surface of a dysfunctional family falling apart. The characters spend most of their time yelling at each other or crying, and I never really felt like I got to know any of them. The narrator is a 70-something musical genius whose husband has left her for another woman and whose kids hate her. For me, her voice never quite emerges; we get her anger and her tears but very little about what it feels like to lose her passion. She's snide and snarky, and although she occasionally talks about what music means to her, I didn't get a sense of it through her actions.
The other main character of a new lodger in her home is a barely penciled-in stereotype of a young gay man who has been kicked out of his parents house. The older woman and the young man immediately find connections, so there is very little conflict between them. Yates seems to overescalate the conflict outside of this core relationship to make up for this lack.
The book is filled with melodrama, sometimes underlaid with misplaced farce, but little insight into what makes these characters tick. The premise is intriguing: What are the joys and tribulations involved with being extremely talented and how does your life change if you are deprived full access to your talent? Although I generally dislike critiquing a book for what it is not, I felt in this case Yates would have had a more interesting book if he had trusted his characters to inhabit interesting lives without having to pump up the melodrama.
In the end, it's an okay exploration of the dynamics of a dysfunctional family dealing with grief. However, there are much better books on this theme, including A Map of the World, The Sweet Hereafter, and Ordinary People, to name a few.
The other main character of a new lodger in her home is a barely penciled-in stereotype of a young gay man who has been kicked out of his parents house. The older woman and the young man immediately find connections, so there is very little conflict between them. Yates seems to overescalate the conflict outside of this core relationship to make up for this lack.
The book is filled with melodrama, sometimes underlaid with misplaced farce, but little insight into what makes these characters tick. The premise is intriguing: What are the joys and tribulations involved with being extremely talented and how does your life change if you are deprived full access to your talent? Although I generally dislike critiquing a book for what it is not, I felt in this case Yates would have had a more interesting book if he had trusted his characters to inhabit interesting lives without having to pump up the melodrama.
In the end, it's an okay exploration of the dynamics of a dysfunctional family dealing with grief. However, there are much better books on this theme, including A Map of the World, The Sweet Hereafter, and Ordinary People, to name a few.
November 8, 2012
Loved the writing style and I loved the quirky characters...to a point. This book had so much potential. Alex, a young college student shunned by his family, befriends Hester, an elderly woman who is also shunned by her family. They form a sweet and delightful friendship, and together, they learn to accept and forgive. However, I hated a pivotal scene, which clouded the rest of the book for me. Had I not been reading it for book club, I wouldn't have finished.
***Spoiler below.***
In what universe is it acceptable for a man to force himself on another person and not call it sexual assault? Eric, Alex's new friend, was passed out drunk. Alex, who was attracted to him, unzips his friend's pants and starts to give him a blow job. The guy is freaking passed out!!!! Eric wakes up and the shit hits the fan. When Alex relays this event to Hester, he's not remorseful that he forced himself on a vulnerable person, and her reaction is basically well, we all make mistakes we're not proud of. Whaaaat? If Eric had been Erica, would she have reacted a little stronger?
If someone doesn't give consent, it's not okay to unzip their pants and go to town just because you find them attractive and you're horny!!!
As a reader, I felt betrayed that I had grown to like these two characters so much and was expected to accept this event (there's a similar event in Alex's past) as okay. Sexual assault is never, ever okay! Period!
***Spoiler below.***
In what universe is it acceptable for a man to force himself on another person and not call it sexual assault? Eric, Alex's new friend, was passed out drunk. Alex, who was attracted to him, unzips his friend's pants and starts to give him a blow job. The guy is freaking passed out!!!! Eric wakes up and the shit hits the fan. When Alex relays this event to Hester, he's not remorseful that he forced himself on a vulnerable person, and her reaction is basically well, we all make mistakes we're not proud of. Whaaaat? If Eric had been Erica, would she have reacted a little stronger?
If someone doesn't give consent, it's not okay to unzip their pants and go to town just because you find them attractive and you're horny!!!
As a reader, I felt betrayed that I had grown to like these two characters so much and was expected to accept this event (there's a similar event in Alex's past) as okay. Sexual assault is never, ever okay! Period!
October 4, 2017
I had been looking forward to reading Bart Yates' next book so much that I bought it new, then forced myself not to read it until NaNo was over with.
And once I started it, I tried to make it last at least a week. Some books should be savored.
The first person narrative was a 70+ year old woman, in the middle of a messy divorce, possibly about to lose her house, and her children--grown--want nothing to do with her. So what does she do? She rents out her third floor to a young man, Alex, who has a few problems of his own. They quickly form a bond (Noooo, not like that, hehe).
We follow her as she tries to make sense of what her life has become. Will she be able to keep the home she had raised her family in? Will she be able to reconnect with her family? Will she be able to keep one of her sons from trying to kill Alex? Will she be able to keep her tongue to herself before she makes each situation worse?
This is so different from BY's other two books, but no less enjoyable. Perhaps more. And all due to Hester's rambling thoughts and constantly getting herself into hot water.
And one of my fav bits involved the running jokes around a hideous statue that had been a gift that is kept out side. His name is Saint Booger.
I highly recommend this book! It was well worth the wait, painful as it was.
292 pages
And once I started it, I tried to make it last at least a week. Some books should be savored.
The first person narrative was a 70+ year old woman, in the middle of a messy divorce, possibly about to lose her house, and her children--grown--want nothing to do with her. So what does she do? She rents out her third floor to a young man, Alex, who has a few problems of his own. They quickly form a bond (Noooo, not like that, hehe).
We follow her as she tries to make sense of what her life has become. Will she be able to keep the home she had raised her family in? Will she be able to reconnect with her family? Will she be able to keep one of her sons from trying to kill Alex? Will she be able to keep her tongue to herself before she makes each situation worse?
This is so different from BY's other two books, but no less enjoyable. Perhaps more. And all due to Hester's rambling thoughts and constantly getting herself into hot water.
And one of my fav bits involved the running jokes around a hideous statue that had been a gift that is kept out side. His name is Saint Booger.
I highly recommend this book! It was well worth the wait, painful as it was.
292 pages
July 24, 2013
I love it when a writer surprises me. I read this book because it was in a reading group, honestly the premise looked dull. I'm a huge horror fan and the idea of drunk old lady who used to play piano making friends with some strange young college student did not turn me on. It turned out Hester, the old lady, was so sharp-tongued and funny, I rolled in laughter every other page. In addition, to this sarcastic side she was layered beautifully with a softness and equaled passion every time her fingers touched the piano.
In contrast, there was the bumbling college student, Alex, as lost in life and loss as Hester, but unable to deal with it as eloquently. Together with his stumbling and her bitterness only certain resolutions could be made.
Certainly this left much mystery in itself because everything in this story was broken. How could it possibly mend? Mending the broken pieces of Alex and Hester's life's didn't conclude the mystery of this book. There were other very intriguing mysteries, one in fact involving Hester's son that kept me turning pages right up until the moment it was discovered. Of course, other family members had their share of intrigue and then Alex had his dark secrets.
Because of all the loss in this book, one line really stayed with me -the secret to life... gratitude in everything even in the smallest of things and then, finally forgiveness.
In contrast, there was the bumbling college student, Alex, as lost in life and loss as Hester, but unable to deal with it as eloquently. Together with his stumbling and her bitterness only certain resolutions could be made.
Certainly this left much mystery in itself because everything in this story was broken. How could it possibly mend? Mending the broken pieces of Alex and Hester's life's didn't conclude the mystery of this book. There were other very intriguing mysteries, one in fact involving Hester's son that kept me turning pages right up until the moment it was discovered. Of course, other family members had their share of intrigue and then Alex had his dark secrets.
Because of all the loss in this book, one line really stayed with me -the secret to life... gratitude in everything even in the smallest of things and then, finally forgiveness.
January 6, 2009
I really enjoyed this story of a dysfunctional family, very much in the vein of The Corrections, but didn't love it. I had trouble feeling empathy for the narrator, whose actions, at times, were just unbelievably strange...like not getting help for her son, making a scene at a gathering with her ex's lover, her smartmouth talk. I disliked her more than liked her at the end. I found her relationship with Adam not believable enough. Eric's relationship with Adam was a little on the strange side as well. On a positive note, the writing was good and the story flowed cohesively. It was very psychological and that appealed to me as well. I would've liked to have seen more sides to the characters - they all seemed rather one-dimensional. Basically, it was a good story where the characters could've been presented differently and then, it would've been much better. Perhaps, it should not have been narrated - I think we would've gotten a more complex take on all the characters if we did not only see them from Hester's pt. of view.
October 11, 2009
Hester Parker is a 70-year-old, formerly famous virtuoso pianist, now teaching at a conservatory in an Illinois college town. She tells a story, or stories, from her life -- past to present -- that will break your heart as you get inside her head and learn about the tragedy that becomes her family. A more crusty, witty, bitter, and vulnerable character I have not known for some time.
I loved the way Bart Yates presented The Distance Between Us (2008), the story of broken lives and dysfunction, not exactly becoming whole again, but somehow finding some resolution. The book explores seemingly impossible potential for healing, along with the notions of gratitude and forgiveness. I gobbled this book up in 2 days, and honestly, if it weren't for having to do things throughout the weekend, I think I would have read it in one sitting. I recommend it, but do get out the tissues for a few deeply sorrowful passages.
I loved the way Bart Yates presented The Distance Between Us (2008), the story of broken lives and dysfunction, not exactly becoming whole again, but somehow finding some resolution. The book explores seemingly impossible potential for healing, along with the notions of gratitude and forgiveness. I gobbled this book up in 2 days, and honestly, if it weren't for having to do things throughout the weekend, I think I would have read it in one sitting. I recommend it, but do get out the tissues for a few deeply sorrowful passages.
August 23, 2011
70-something Hester is a curmudgeonly, sarcastic former pianist. You want to know if Hester is the way she is because of some tragedy, losing her ability to perform on the piano, or if her disposition has always been so *charming*. You come to find out that she's going through a divorce and is renting out a room to a college student. The book rotates between current times and Hester's flashbacks as narrative or as conversation to her new boarder Alex. The family dynamics, especially when so many in the family have creative talents, are extremely engaging.
The book is from Hester's perspective, so it makes sense that we hear primarily about her. But I would have liked to hear more about the boarder Alex, who serves as the impetus for . The reader does learn a small amount about him.
I cannot fathom the Eric character. Given what happened, I cannot imagine someone being so tolerant.
I am interested in reading more by this author.
The book is from Hester's perspective, so it makes sense that we hear primarily about her. But I would have liked to hear more about the boarder Alex, who serves as the impetus for . The reader does learn a small amount about him.
I cannot fathom the Eric character. Given what happened, I cannot imagine someone being so tolerant.
I am interested in reading more by this author.
October 5, 2008
Read during the Great Blackout of Aught-Eight...
I loved this book from top to bottom! The protagonist--eccentric fallen musical genius Hester Parker--is richly drawn in a way that conjures a very particular image in my mind. I picture her in a very "Miss Havisham" way, but slightly more functional. Hester imparts her world-view on love and family upon her own personal "Pip"--a boarder named Alex. Alex in turn helps fulfill Hester's need for "family" and ultimately helps her to reconcile (the best she knows how) with her biological one.
As in all Bart Yates books, the house in which the majority of the action takes place is essentially a character of its own. It cloisters the lonely Hester in a select few rooms--her memories too painful to allow herself access to most of the mansion.
I loved this book from top to bottom! The protagonist--eccentric fallen musical genius Hester Parker--is richly drawn in a way that conjures a very particular image in my mind. I picture her in a very "Miss Havisham" way, but slightly more functional. Hester imparts her world-view on love and family upon her own personal "Pip"--a boarder named Alex. Alex in turn helps fulfill Hester's need for "family" and ultimately helps her to reconcile (the best she knows how) with her biological one.
As in all Bart Yates books, the house in which the majority of the action takes place is essentially a character of its own. It cloisters the lonely Hester in a select few rooms--her memories too painful to allow herself access to most of the mansion.
December 8, 2014
This had me hooked from the first page. Hester Parker, is turning 71, and her life, is, frankly a mess. Awaiting divorce from her husband (who's been having an affair for over a decade), alienated from her children and trying to cope with past tragedies, Hester teaches at the local Conservatorium with an m.o. of brilliance, inspiration and laceration. Her verbal put-downs are both very funny and cringe-inducing, but it is just this acerbic wit that is as an innate to Hester as is her musical talent. Yates has done a superb job of sustaining Hester's unique voice throughout the course of this excellent novel.
December 10, 2009
I really enjoy reading Bart Yates (although Brothers Bishop freaked me out a little), and as much as I love Leave Myself Behind, I think The Distance Between Us might be his strongest work yet.
The main character's acerbic wit made me laugh through most of the book even though it's really very sad.
It has a similar feel to both of his previous books, especially Leave Myself Behind since the setting is so similar (a large, old house with a lot of character in a small college town).
The main character's acerbic wit made me laugh through most of the book even though it's really very sad.
It has a similar feel to both of his previous books, especially Leave Myself Behind since the setting is so similar (a large, old house with a lot of character in a small college town).
March 17, 2010
Bart Yates' narrative in this family drama is remarkable. The main character, Hester, uses her wicked sense of humor to express her views on a life filled with tragedy and remarkable gifts. Too often there is nothing you can do when faced with a terrible loss (or two or three) but laugh in the face of fate. Others who prefer to wallow in their misery tend to hate you for doing just that, but Yates understands those differing approaches provide the true distance between us: those who survive intact and those who do not.
April 29, 2015
The book revolves around a dysfunctional family whose talents in the arts are matched only by their ability to wound each other, and a young man who finds himself in the middle. In spite of some of the truly hateful, evil things these people said to each other (I can't imagine being on the receiving end of one of these barbs), I was able to find the humanity in each character, and develop a sympathy and liking for them. The book was an easy read and never felt contrived. Hester especially is someone I would be thrilled to have as a friend, and whose company I know I'd enjoy.
February 2, 2012
If you haven't made any mistakes in your life you probably will not relate to this book. It embraces the faults of human nature and pours sympathy, forgiveness and understanding. It dives deep into reconciliation with yourself and the people closest to you. Acceptance that life does not move in your favor and sometimes the lump in your throat and chest is easier to swallow than you might think
December 12, 2012
Wow. A times painfully sad and at others very funny (in a dark dysfunctional family kind of way!) Either way very captivating. I love a book that can make me smile one minute and chuckle the next. Maybe it hit too close to home to give it 5 stars but I am already seeing what else Bart Yates has written.
October 21, 2011
Reading "Brothers Bishop," I had to find out whether the next novel would be steeped in family dysfunction. Yes. It was wonderful. The writing is witty, acidic, bitchy and I loved it. He is spot on with the relationships among Mother and sons, and the daughter to a lesser extent.
October 2, 2018
Bart Yates is a damn good writer. I've read all three of his novels now. Give us more!
January 20, 2012
He's done a good job. Sympathetic yet unpredictable charecters, lots of tragedy and pacey writing - what more could we want from a novel?
March 4, 2013
Excellent book. Loved Hester's wit
May 30, 2013
Recommended to me by a friend and I would quickly and gladly recommend it to anyone else. Looking forward to reading more of his books.
March 1, 2015
Good entertaining writing. More please, Bart Yates!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews