Where'd You Go, Bernadette? by Maria Semple

Where'd You Go, Bernadette?

Maria Semple

Although this is written through emails and diary entries and notes, don't let that put you off. Cleverly handled, with such wit and charm, you quite forget that you're reading a story and feel immersed in the lives of these characters. I read quickly, completely addicted, desperate to know what would become of wonderful Bernadette. Sharply observed and beautifully moving - a completely satisfying read!

Extract
Let’s play a game. I’ll say a word, and you say the first word that pops into your head. Ready?
ME: Seattle.
YOU: Rain.
What you’ve heard about the rain: it’s all true. So you’d think it would become part of the fabric, especially among the lifers. But every time it rains, and you have to interact with someone, here’s what they’ll say: ‘Can you believe the weather?’ And you want to say, ‘Actually, I can believe the weather. What I can’t believe is that I’m actually having a conversation about the weather.’
But I don’t say that, you see, because that would be instigating a fight, something I try my best to avoid, with mixed results.
Parallels
  • Seating Arrangements by Maggie Shipstead
  • The Marriage Bureau for Rich People by Farahad Zama

Our suggestions if you enjoyed Grown Ups by Marian Keyes

Butterflies in November

Auour Ava Olafsdottir

Serious Men

Manu Joseph

The Bee Sting

Paul Murray

Where'd You Go, Bernadette?

Maria Semple

Nicotine

Nell Zink

Digging to America

Anne Tyler

The Best a Man Can Get

John O'Farrell

Happiness TM

Will Ferguson

Benny and Shrimp

Katarina Mazetti

Domestic Bliss and Other Disasters

Jane Ions