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I’ll admit, I expected Life: A Love Story to send my sappy meter straight into the red. Happily, it didn’t. This was warm, thoughtful, and heartfelt without laying the sentiment on with a trowel.
At 92, Florence “Flo” Greene knows her time is short, so she begins writing to Ruthie, the young woman who grew up next door and became like a daughter to her. Through those letters, Flo looks back on her marriage, friendships, mistakes, joys, and a few truths she kept tucked away for years. At the same time, she is still meddling—in the best possible way—in the lives of the people around her.
This is very much a character-driven novel, so don’t come looking for twists and turns. Its strength is Flo herself. She’s funny, blunt, wise, and still interested in what comes next. I hope I’m that spunky if I make it to 92.
Berg finds meaning in the small stuff—the conversations, disappointments, kindnesses, and ordinary days that end up shaping a life. It’s a fast, uplifting read, and easily my favorite of the four Elizabeth Berg novels I’ve read.
** Thanks to the author, NetGalley, and Random House for a comp. Opinions are my own.