Belong to Me, by Marisa de los Santos, is a book about the intertwining lives of three very dynamic women in suburban Philadelphia. At first, all three seem very stereotypical on the surface. As a matter of fact, you think you know these women. There is Piper, the Atlantic Coast Conference sorority girl turned suburban Queen Bee; Lake, the highly intelligent, hard-working single mom with a secret; and Cornelia, the hip, former city girl who moves to the suburbs to start a family. Through multiple points of view, the reader learns that nothing is as it seems. One friend is not simply a fair weather friend. Her dedication to her dying friend is touching and admirable. Another friend's loyalty in the face of social ostracism is well-written, funny, and nothing less than inspiring. The betrayal of the third friend is disappointing and disturbing.
Belong to Me is an homage to love in all its forms: the love we have for our friends, lovers, husbands, neighbors, and children. It is also an interesting study in limits. How far are we willing to go when our child's welfare is at stake? Is it worth betraying a friend? Are we truly in it for the long haul when a friend is dying? Will we still be there at the end, enduring heartbreak and suffering? How easy is it to walk away from a marriage and our children? What event can, or perhaps should, end a friendship? Although I discerned one of the book's secrets fairly early on, it did not make reading it less enjoyable. I truly liked the ending, and based on the personalities involved, I did not find it improbable.
Maris de los Santos has written a beautiful love story that I recommend. However, I suggest you wait until after the holidays to read it because a big chunk of the book is very sad in spite of its happy ending.
Until next time...
Happy reading!
Ricki Jill
I checked this book out a few months ago JUST because the cover was so cute, and I really enjoyed it! I remember sitting in a coffee shop reading it, and one part of the book actually made me tear up a little bit. I sniffled and looked around to make sure no one saw me. :) It's a good recommendation. (And thanks for visiting "A Novice Nelly.")
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome, Ally. I love your blog, and now I am a follower!
ReplyDelete