I enjoy Stewart O'Nan's writing style. He has a unique ability making the reader want to look into the window he has created of an ordinary person's life and thoughts.Emily is a elderly widow who is detached from her children and grandchildren and has outlived her husband most of her friends. She struggles to maintain her independence, deal with misunderstandings with her children, and accept the present -- all while knowing her future is limited.This book definitely had me thinking about my future as an elderly person. Well, I listened to this as an audio book. The book was well written, but depressing as hell. BTW, I am over 60 years old and understand, too well, the allusions of this story.Emily is just waiting to die while she increasingly struggles with everyday living. I did not see her as "independent" or admirable. She is forced into living alone, is forced into dealing with cars, etc., alone and must try to "get along" with the few friends that she has left, even though she does not much enjoy them. Save me from this fate! (But at least this is a more realistic story than the one in The Last Original Wife.)
What do You think about Emily, Allein (2012)?
A beautiful, quiet, funny, poignant story of Emily - dealing with the last chapters of her life.
—LexiG
I felt like i was reading a book about my mother. Creepy.
—achu
