Title: Talk Before Sleep
Author: Elizabeth Berg
First published January 1, 1993
240 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780345491251 (ISBN10: 0345491254)
Rating: 3.95
Overview
“At first, they couldn’t stand each other. Ruth was too much of everything, and Ann was not impressed.
But a fateful encounter in a bathroom brought them together, and soon they were inseparable. They bonded over ice cream sundaes and late-night movie marathons and shared everything from their deepest fears to their wildest dreams.
Through marriages, divorces, and the ups and downs of life, they remained each other’s constant. But when a devastating illness threatens to tear them apart, they must face the ultimate test of their unbreakable bond.
Talk Before Sleep is a heartwarming tale of love, friendship, and the power of human connection.”
About the Author
Elizabeth Berg is an accomplished author with a multitude of bestsellers under her belt. Her works include The Story of Arthur Truluv, Open House (which was selected for Oprah’s Book Club), Talk Before Sleep, and The Year of Pleasures, as well as a collection of short stories titled The Day I Ate Whatever I Wanted.
Two of her novels, Durable Goods and Joy School, were recognized as ALA Best Books of the Year. Berg’s talent extends beyond the page – she adapted The Pull of the Moon into a play that sold out performances in both Chicago and Indianapolis.
Her writing has been published in thirty countries, and three of her novels have been adapted into television movies. Berg is also the founder of Writing Matters, a reading series that prioritizes quality and serves authors, audiences, and communities alike.
She teaches one-day writing workshops and is a highly sought-after speaker across the country. Fans of her work can enjoy some of her most popular Facebook posts collected in two volumes.
Berg currently resides outside of Chicago.
Editoral Review
Elizabeth Berg’s Talk Before Sleep is a breathtaking novel that captivates readers with its powerful themes of love, friendship, and loss. Published in 1993, the novel stands as one of Berg’s most celebrated works of fiction, showcasing her lyrical writing style and masterful storytelling abilities.
Set in a small Midwestern town, the story follows the lives of five women as they confront the devastating effects of breast cancer. The protagonist, Ann, is a devoted friend who puts her life on hold to care for her terminally ill best friend, Ruth.
The women share memories, laughter, and tears as they navigate their way through the complexities of cancer treatment and mortality. Berg’s writing is poignant and engaging, drawing readers into the lives of her characters with vivid descriptions and realistic dialogue.
She brings the town of Mason to life, painting a picture of a place where everyone knows each other and the bonds of friendship are unbreakable. One of the strongest aspects of the novel is the depth of the characters’ relationships.
The friendships between the women are authentic and heartfelt, conveying a sense of intimacy and trust that feels genuine. As the women face their own mortality, their bonds only grow stronger, highlighting the power of love and friendship in the face of adversity.
However, the novel is not without its flaws. Some readers may find the pacing to be slow at times, as Berg spends a considerable amount of time delving into the women’s pasts and their relationships with each other.
Additionally, the book’s heavy reliance on emotional themes may not be for everyone, as readers who prefer action-packed dramas or light-hearted comedies may find the novel too somber. Despite its limitations, Talk Before Sleep is a brilliantly crafted novel that resonates with readers on a deeply emotional level.
Berg’s skillful writing and nuanced character development make it a worthwhile read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of love, friendship, and mortality. Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a moving and insightful read.
The novel is perfect for fans of women’s fiction or realistic, character-driven stories that explore the human condition. It receives a solid 4 out of 5 stars from this reviewer.
