Biodegradable Soap

by Amy Ephron

From the author of Bruised Fruit and Cool Shades, here is a fresh and compassionate novel that is a tour through the state of life and marriage in contemporary America.

Genres: Fiction

159 pages, Hardcover

First published April 15, 1991

Reviews

[Kim Fay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love slim, perfect books. I'm a huge fan of Muriel Spark and Penelope Fitzgerald and many other writers who are able to capture the heart of their story, or perhaps a moment in time, with the succinct grace of poets. I came across this book at a library sale, and it asked me to buy it. I didn't know why at the time. In fact, I didn't know why until I read the last page - sadly, I can't tell you what is on that last page without giving the one-two punch of the book away. This is the story of a marriage in late 1980s LA, although there is the feel of the late 1970s about the story too. It is about how the world trespasses into the personal, coloring how we interact with the ones we love. Coloring how we get through our days. When I finished this book I was reminded of a time when world events meant something. When we held a tragedy or an atrocity whole in our hands and felt its effects fully. Unlike now, hundreds of events coming at us every day, some deserving of our attention and respect, but most not. Most of it is just filler. And the filler drowns out what is really important. But once upon a time ... and as this book shows, it wasn't so long ago.

[Lulu Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first Amy Ephron book I ever read and it has special memories for me. I asked for this book for my 17th birthday. Living overseas, dad in the military, the only books I could find in English were in the VERY TEENY TINY bookstore on base. I saw this book and I had to have it. I have been feenin' for Ephron's books ever since... I had to wait a very long time to read more!

[Elle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book on the “rare” shelf at my favourite local book joint. I’d never heard of it before but, as an Environmental Studies major, the name was eye-catching.

With 2 page chapters, this was a quick and easy summer read. The story was simple and lacked substantial plot or happenings, which isn’t necessarily negative. The story is quite interesting when imagined through the lens of “Ladybird” and “Call Me By Your Name” type films.

During this story, we follow our main character through her everyday life as she proposes concerns for the environment and considers how to best care for the planet and her family. This is an interesting concern to explore during the time the book takes place and the protagonist’s concern is regarded as an “obsession” and “undesirable”.

Reading the book now, I feel that it was before it’s time. It proposes real concerns, various statistics, and reminds the reader to care about global events. The closing remark drove this point on several levels.

I just could have done without Billy’s character and plot line with the random girl. She came out of nowhere, without connection to the story, and stuck around for too long.

[Meghan Davison · Rating 1 out of 5]

I went to the library stacks with a purpose: I wanted something light and easy. I wanted chick lit. I know there is such a thing as chick lit that is really fun and witty and worthwhile. This book just isn't it. The book is made up of chapters-- if you can call them that, they are about 2 pages long-- of really predictable dialog that only serves to move the plot along-- there is nothing clever or real about it.

I thought the premise of the book was really interesting, which was why I picked it: the main character suddenly becomes obsessed with saving the environment. As someone prone to sudden obsessions, I thought it could be a fun read. I was wrong. The main character's obsession is like everything else in the book: artificial, underdeveloped, unbelievable.

Still, there is something to be said about a book you can read in a couple of hours...

[Lillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book was written 10 years ago and a lot of things have changed as to awareness related to global warming and the enviorment. So it was a positive reminder of how far we have come and how far we have yet to go. Written in a very satirical note.

[Erin Orchard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the gossip in this novel, is that weird to say? I loved the way society is portrayed and the environmental aspects in it as well!

[Sue Kozlowski · Rating 2 out of 5]

Weird. Short - two pages per chapter.