Betta Nolan moves to a small town after the death of her husband to try to begin life anew. Though still dealing with her sorrow, Betta nonetheless is determined to find pleasure in her simple daily routines. Among those who help her in both expected and unexpected ways are the ten-year-old boy next door, three wild women friends from her college days with whom she reconnects, a young man who is struggling to find his place in the world, and a handsome widower who is ready for love.
Elizabeth Berg's The Year of Pleasures is about acknowledging the solace found in ordinary things: a warm bath, good food, the beauty of nature, music, and art. Above all, The Year of Pleasures is about the various kindnesses people can - and do - provide one another. Betta's journey from grief to joy is a meaningful reminder of what is available to us all, regardless of what fate has in store. This exquisite book suggests that no matter what we lose, life is ready to give bountifully to those who will receive.
Sandra Burr brings genuine expression to this remarkable story of a woman's adjustment to widowhood. Her clear and easy narration beautifully captures the diverse feelings experienced by protagonist Betta Nolan. Burr's initial vocal characterization of Betta's disc jockey friend Ed is weak, but it strengthens into a deep, booming radio voice that is perfect. From that point, her depictions successfully convey a large cast of characters and diverse accents. The hardened voice of the elderly Lydia captures the embittered woman, and the broken English/Italian speeches of Giovanni are simply charming. Burr is masterful in voicing Betta's struggle to build a new life while still treasuring the love, spirit, and wisdom of her late husband. J.J.B. (c) AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine
About the Creator
Elizabeth Berg is the New York Times bestselling author of many novels, including The Year of Pleasures, The Art of Mending, Say When, True to Form, Never Change, and Open House, which was an Oprah's Book Club selection in 2000. Durable Goods and Joy School were selected as ALA Best Books of the Year, and Talk Before Sleep was short-listed for the ABBY award in 1996. The winner of the 1997 New England Booksellers Award for her body of work, Berg is also the author of a nonfiction work, Escaping Into the Open: The Art of Writing True. She lives in Chicago.
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