Title: Until The Real Thing Comes Along
Author: Elizabeth Berg
First published April 7, 1999
282 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780099451761 (ISBN10: 009945176X)
Rating: 3.57
Overview
Patty Murphy is at a crossroads in her life. She’s successful, financially stable, and ready for love.
But the man she’s been pining for is gay, and despite the advice of loved ones, she can’t seem to let go. Patty dates other men, but none of them compare to the comfort and intimacy she shares with Ethan.
Her heart aches for the real thing, but in the meantime, she’s content to wait for love to find her. Until the Real Thing Comes Along is a poignant and relatable story about the complexities of love, and the hope that keeps us going.
About the Author
Meet Elizabeth Berg, an accomplished author with a slew of bestselling novels under her belt. Among her notable works are 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 the short story collection The Day I Ate Whatever I Wanted.
Her novels Durable Goods and Joy School were even recognized as ALA Best Books of the Year. Berg’s talents extend beyond novels, as she adapted The Pull of the Moon into a successful play that sold out in both Chicago and Indianapolis.
Her work has been published in thirty countries, and three of her novels have been made into television movies. Berg is also the founder of Writing Matters, a reading series dedicated to serving authors, audiences, and communities.
She is a sought-after speaker, and offers one-day writing workshops. Her popular Facebook posts have been compiled into two books.
Elizabeth Berg currently resides outside of Chicago.
Editoral Review
Until The Real Thing Comes Along by Elizabeth Berg, first published on April 7, 1999, is a poignant novel that depicts the intersecting lives of three women that grapple with finding love, purpose, and identity. Elizabeth Berg is a prolific American author known for her ability to craft beautiful narratives that capture the complexities of human relationships with candor, humor, and compassion.
Until The Real Thing Comes Along has been described as one of Berg’s best works and is considered a classic in the women’s fiction genre. Set in modern-day Chicago, the novel follows the journey of the main protagonist, 35-year-old Patty Murphy, who is struggling to find a sense of belonging amid a failed marriage, a stalled career, and a dysfunctional relationship with her mother.
As she navigates the tumultuous sea of adulthood, Patty finds solace and companionship in two other women: her best friend and confident, Elena, and her new therapist, Jack. The three women come to rely on each other as they work through the various challenges they face, including infidelity, aging parents, and societal expectations of what it means to be a successful woman.
Berg’s writing style is lyrical, moving, and funny in equal parts. The dialogue between the characters is sharp and witty, adding to the overall realism of their interactions.
The author’s ability to create compelling characters that felt like real people with deep emotions and struggles is commendable. Berg also manages to delve into the themes of love, loss, and self-discovery in a way that is both relatable and inspiring.
Furthermore, the novel’s exploration of the intricacies of mental health and therapy is nuanced and thought-provoking, making it relevant to current societal conversations on these issues. Despite its strengths, Until The Real Thing Comes Along has some weaknesses.
Some readers may find the pacing a bit slow, and the plot predictable. Additionally, some characters, such as Patty’s ex-husband and mother, were not fully fleshed out, making their actions and motivations seem implausible.
Overall, Until The Real Thing Comes Along is a beautifully written novel that leaves a lasting impression on its readers. The book provides an insightful perspective on the complexities of modern-day relationships, self-discovery, and mental health.
Elizabeth Berg’s superb style of writing and skillful storytelling make the novel a must-read for fans of women’s fiction. On a scale of 1 to 5, I would rate the book a 4, with points deducted for its slow pacing and underdeveloped characters.
Nonetheless, I recommend the book to anyone who wants to be immersed in a compelling narrative that celebrates the courage and resilience of women.
