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Emily, Alone: A Novel Audiobook
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(3.01) - 2,124 listener ratings
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The author of numerous novels, Stewart O'Nan has been lauded with critical acclaim and best-seller status on his way to consideration as one of America's most gifted novelists. Emily, Alone, a sequel to Wish You Were Here, revolves around widow and grandmother Emily Maxwell, whose ordered life is jarred when her sister-in-law suffers a stroke. But even amid the conflicting emotions of a changing world, Emily proves resilient and vows to move forward with the grace and dignity with which she has lived her life.
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"I immediately purchased this book after reading "Wish You Were Here". It's about a regular American family--grown children now in their 40's, early 50's, Dad passed away in the first book "Wish You Were Here", and now it's about, oh I think about 7 or so years later. The lake cabin is sold but the family still manages to meet there every summer at a rental--although it doesn't sound like they all make it. Grandchildren are now grown and in college, one Granddaughter is gay, one can't seem to quite cut it in the work world or school. Emily's daughter has battled alcohol and exchanged that for Pot, she doesn't get along with her daughter in law who is snotty to her--and her son has no backbone to stand up to his wife. The kids haven't both shown up for Christmas at the same time in a couple of years. Her only companion is her dog and her sister in law--her husband's sister who never married. Sound pretty normal? It's a tale of growing old, not a bad tale; all in all, I think it's pretty realistic--not overly sad and not overly happy. Emily remains independent, in fact she buys a new car--she begins to drive again--she hangs onto life every day--not in physical sense, but in a mental-keep engaged sense. If you are in your mid years with aging parents-you might want to read this to gain a little understanding--I recommend starting with the first book, you'll move right into Emily Alone. Great book, I really enjoyed this."
— Jeannie (4 out of 5 stars)
Emily, Alone Listener Reviews
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" What I'm most blown away from Stewart O'nan in this follow-up to "Wish You Were Here" is his obvious love and care of his characters. Love not as in an oblique adoration but love that is active, encompassing, and whole in it's view and devotion. If you need plot in your books steer clear of this as it is a snapshot and chronicle of a life where very little happens. Exactly the kind of life that most of us live but that is very rarely examined or given a voice. "
— Holly, 2/9/2014 -
" A reflection on life through the eyes of a 70ish widow. She tries to make sense of life and death and the process of aging and what really matters most. "
— Sandy, 1/23/2014 -
" Nice Pittsburgh connection. I wonder if I will become Emily-like as I approach old-er age! "
— Lee, 1/13/2014 -
" Brilliant insight into what it is like to be older, to be alone when your husband and closest friends have passed, how to fill the hours, days, left with your fears, and not living that close to your children. "
— Jarosik18, 1/6/2014 -
" Capturing the thoughts and concerns of an older generation (widowed kids long gone from the house), is not something that authors tend to do well, but I thought this was a great character-driven story about an older woman and her friend. "
— Christine, 12/29/2013 -
" You have to readh "Wish You Were Here" first as this is a sequel about the matriarch of that family. O"Nan can write dialogue and describe the extraordinary life of ordinary people so it is a joy to read "
— Dorinda, 12/19/2013 -
" Since I enjoyed Wish You were Here, I wanted to finish off the series. I am glad I did. "
— Ekd23, 12/4/2013 -
" It was a bit depressing because it focused SO MUCH on how alone Emily was! "
— Merceda, 12/3/2013 -
" O'Nan celebrates everyday lives with a kind of sweet reverence that is affirming and uplifting. This is the story of octogenarian, Emily, her feelings about family, friends, being a widow, and growing old. It's tender, funny, and all out beautiful. "
— Constance, 12/1/2013 -
" O'Nan's ability to capture humanity shines through in this novel. It is not a particularly fun read and even grows a bit tedious, like life. However, he conveys life and the voice of an aging woman with such truth that I can only be impressed, as always, by his skill. "
— Alexis, 1/27/2013 -
" how can the minutiae of life be so compelling? that's the writer's art here. O'Nan breathes inside his character's skin and it resonated for me. "
— Claire, 10/19/2012 -
" I loved this book. No one else in my book club seemed to, though.... All from Emily's perspective as she nears the end of her life. Juxtaposes the trival with the important activities that fill a day. "
— Lory, 8/24/2012 -
" Slow, but very well written, imaginative and believable. "
— Tara, 7/26/2012 -
" Beautifully written but just too close to home for me to be able to read it enjoy now...... "
— Janell, 5/23/2012 -
" Didn't hold my interest- even with all the references to Pittsburgh's EastEnd "
— Briana, 4/9/2012 -
" A beautiful capture of small, ordinary moments and observations. Life as we age in the now, life as we look back and look forward. O'Nan made the mundane and every-day so crystal clear that at times it took my breath away. Not a novel for action-fiction lovers! "
— Reed, 3/27/2012 -
" A beautiful story about the nuances of aging. Unfortunately, I didn't have the attention span for the slow pace. "
— Carolyn, 12/6/2011 -
" A lovely book about the waning years of a woman's life. Sounds depressing, but it's beautifully written and a great read. This is the 2nd book by O'Nan that I've read and I've really liked them both! "
— Andrea, 11/16/2011 -
" I started this book awhile ago and it made me so sad that I stopped reading it. I gave it another shot and enjoyed it. "
— Melinda, 7/17/2011
About Stewart O'Nan
Stewart O’Nan’s award-winning fiction includes Snow Angels, A Prayer for the Dying, Last Night at the Lobster, and Emily, Alone. His most recent novel, The Odds, was hailed by The Boston Globe as “a gorgeous fable, a stunning meditation, and a hope-filled Valentine.” Granta named him one of America’s Best Young Novelists. He was born and raised and lives in Pittsburgh.
About Andrea Gallo
Andrea Gallo is an audiobook narrator whose works include Ungifted by Gordan Korman, The Nosy Neighbor by Fern Michaels, Kings of the Earth by John Clinch, and In Search of Eden by Linda Nichols, among many others.