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Separate Beds: A Novel Audiobook
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(3.01) - 353 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
A story of economic breakdown and romantic recovery from the author of Revenge of the Middle-Aged Woman. Tom and Annie's kids have grown up, the mortgage is do-able, and they're about to get a gorgeous new, state-of-the-art French stove. Life is good- or so it seems. Beneath the veneer of professional success and domestic security, their marriage is crumbling, eaten away by years of resentment, loneliness, and the fall out from the estrangement of their daughter, and they've settled into simply being two strangers living under the same roof. Until the economy falls apart. Suddenly the dull but oddly comfortable predictability of their lives is upended by financial calamity-Tom loses his job, their son returns home, and Tom's mother moves in with them. As their world shrinks, Tom and Annie are forced closer together, and the chaos around them threatens to sweep away their bitterness and frustration, refreshing and possibly restoring the love that had been lying beneath all along. In Separate Beds, Elizabeth Buchan has captured the concerns and joys of contemporary women, and her timely, warm, and funny novel tracks the ebb and flow of family, fortune, and love that is familiar to so many readers.
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"Years ago when I read Revenge of the Middle-Aged Woman, I knew I loved Buchan's style--flippant, earthy and right-on. This completely relatable family and it au courant issues make this an awesome read. Being stuck between generations, Annie has an awful lot on her plate. But then, don't we all."
— Sandy (4 out of 5 stars)
Separate Beds Listener Reviews
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" A tender toss and turn of family dysfunction. "She was so far away, yet closer than anyone. Closer than anyone would ever be." "
— Janet, 2/17/2014 -
" Had I not been sick in bed I never would have finished this book. The characters and situation were relevant and interesting, but the story seemed to meander, and the tone of the whole book was somewhat despairing. "
— Shelley, 2/14/2014 -
" Although some questionable plot twists a thoroughly enjoyable good read. "
— Evelyn, 1/31/2014 -
" See Eliseh's review below- not even worth the time to write my own. "
— Lucy, 1/28/2014 -
" At times the book reads like a soap opera with all the problems the family encounters. But I felt the characters responses and thoughts were very real and the writing was beautiful. "
— Margie, 1/27/2014 -
" Really enjoyed this - it wasn't too cliche, wasn't too unpredictable, and I really got to like the characters. "
— Stacey, 1/20/2014 -
" I won this book on First Reads! "
— Louise, 12/27/2013 -
" realistic look into family dynamics in today's world; an easy listen and quick read to finish "
— Jennifer, 12/22/2013 -
" This book was just okay. Just. I don't think I've ever read a book with so many typos, and when a book has that many, I tend to lose interest. Don't ask me why, but I do. When I started the book I immediately knew how it would end, and I was right. It's a slow read. "
— Claudia, 11/26/2013 -
" Loved this book; characters and situation totally believable. Beautifully crafted. "
— Erica, 10/7/2013 -
" a bit darker than her others. But still, a saga of the troubles of a middle class British woman. "
— Deb, 9/30/2013 -
" A true to life story that shows how a man's loss of his job affects his marriage and in general his whole family. A great story that shows how adversity can make people stronger. I really enjoyed this book. "
— Julie, 9/30/2013 -
" This book was okay; the ending was very predictable. "
— Janet, 9/24/2013 -
" This book is just too long and drawn out, pretty boring and just not believable. This is the second book I have read by this author, for a book club. I won't be reading another one! "
— Jenny, 9/14/2013 -
" I enjoyed this book very much. It's nice when a family pulls together during tough tomes. The characters were very likeable. "
— Diane, 2/9/2013 -
" Not earth shattering but still it is thought provoking. It's well written. "
— Patricia, 12/19/2012 -
" I had a hard time getting through this book-it was such a downer. But I really liked some of the characters. "
— Shelley, 2/6/2012 -
" Interesting read about marriages that span long times and how they evolve over that time. Ending was a little too "tied up nicely." "
— Catherine, 9/12/2011 -
" A different kind of love story, full of real life, imperfect people struggling through, and finding grace along the way. For those who have been in a relationship for a while, and know that love is work, yet still wonderful, it's a great read. "
— Colleen, 6/29/2011 -
" I need more of a plot twist. Very predictable. Likeable characters. "
— Luann, 5/23/2011 -
" Not earth shattering but still it is thought provoking. It's well written. "
— Patricia, 4/26/2011 -
" a bit darker than her others. But still, a saga of the troubles of a middle class British woman. "
— Deb, 4/24/2011 -
" A different kind of love story, full of real life, imperfect people struggling through, and finding grace along the way. For those who have been in a relationship for a while, and know that love is work, yet still wonderful, it's a great read. "
— Colleen, 4/12/2011 -
" A tad predictable nevertheless I enjoyed listening to this story of family life. The author definitely captures the challenges faced by families with older children including helping their children and the ups and downs of love after one has been married for a good number of years. "
— Shifra, 4/5/2011 -
" Loved this book; characters and situation totally believable. Beautifully crafted. "
— Erica, 3/21/2011 -
" Good examination on the whole sandwich generation experience and the impact of the economy on families. "
— Fanficfan44, 3/20/2011 -
" Easy read, well written story about the a couple struggling through the recession in London. "
— Gaurett, 3/13/2011 -
" Recommended by one of my library patrons. Enjoyed this family drama very much. Explores the ideas of what can happen when our life circumstances take an unexpected turn. It's not overly sappy or falsely dramatic and I enjoyed it quite a lot!!! "
— Bednarzterry, 3/4/2011 -
" At times the book reads like a soap opera with all the problems the family encounters. But I felt the characters responses and thoughts were very real and the writing was beautiful. "
— Margie, 2/17/2011
About Elizabeth Buchan
Elizabeth Buchan is the author of many acclaimed novels, including the bestselling Revenge of the Middle-Aged Woman and the prizewinning Consider the Lily.
About Sarah Le Fevre
Sarah Le Fevre lives in London, where she trained at the Poor School and is a practicing barrister. She divides her working life between these professions, indulges her passions for the Arsenal football club and Bikram yoga, and occasionally escapes for clean air and green fields to the West Country.