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Dearly Beloved
A June wedding sets the scene for Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s bestselling novel, Dearly Beloved . The ceremony is a great moment during which the “gathered together” survey not just this couple, this occasion, but their own lives, hopes, and fears. As the family and guests follow the familiar marriage service, they are stirred to new insights—on love, on marriage, and on all the stages of development involved. For the young and eager bridesmaid and best man, marriage still lies ahead; but for the mothers of the bride and groom, and for friends and relatives, the sight of the young couple and the words of the minister evoke more troubling thoughts and deeper questions. Anne Morrow Lindbergh wisely chose the framework of a wedding as a meditation on togetherness to contrast the questions she contemplated on solitude in her bestselling classic Gift from the Sea . The novel's structure also gave her scope for her reflections—some of them autobiographical—and intuitions about the most crucial of human relationships, reflections she calls “a theme and variations.” This classic book, first published in 1962 and long out of print, illuminates the truths behind marriage, not with easy optimism, but with perception, compassion, candor, and courage.
202 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1962
7 people are currently reading
565 people want to read
About the author
Anne Morrow Lindbergh
82 books967 followersAnne Morrow Lindbergh was born in 1906. She married Charles Lindbergh in 1929 and became a noted aviator in her own right, eventually publishing several books on the subject and receiving several aviation awards. Gift from the Sea, published in 1955, earned her international acclaim. She was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame, the National Women’s Hall of Fame, and the Aviation Hall of Fame of New Jersey. War Within and Without, the penultimate installment of her published diaries, received the Christopher Award in 1980. Mrs. Lindbergh died in 2001 at the age of ninety-four.
Not to be confused with her daughter Anne Lindbergh.
Not to be confused with her daughter Anne Lindbergh.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
December 13, 2016
I am amazed again at how a woman from another generation, another world, really, can so precisely capture some of my own feelings and thoughts.
In Dearly Beloved, Anne Lindbergh uses the brief moments of a wedding ceremony to examine a dozen perspectives on life and marriage and relationships. The entire book takes place between the minutes before the wedding and the bride and groom's departure after dinner. Through the eyes of the bride's mother, a bridesmaid, an old family friend, an uncle, a grandfather, Lindbergh explores the mysteries of a good marriage, the problem of loneliness, and the fears we all struggle with.
The book is labeled a novel, but apparently Lindbergh liked to call it her "reflections in a fictional frame." It's the perfect frame. Tell me you haven't attended a wedding and found yourself paying no attention to the ceremony and instead thinking about your own life, your own relationships, your own marriage, your own children. Surely Anne and I can't be the only ones!
Through her characters' thoughts, she touches hopes and regrets, fears and pleasure. She gives you the gift of not only seeing the world through the eyes of your perspective but through those of so many people orbiting all around you, connected and inter-woven. The view is revealing and humbling.
To give you a small taste of the beauty, here's a passage from the bride's grandfather, who finds himself recalling an inside joke dating back to his honeymoon. He had recently nursed his wife until her death.
"A joke he couldn't share anymore – such a trivial thing to regret. But it was the trivial things you regretted. You came to terms with the big things. They were still intact, even shared in some way; only the little things vanished. He couldn't help grieving over them a bit..."
The bridesmaid thinks about when it will be her turn. The groom's mother reflects on how she's prepared him to care for his wife. The spinster aunt wonders if anyone understands how deeply she values marriage and family.
And at the end, when the spell of the ceremony and all their private reflections are broken, they flock to each other, and to food.
"There was something about big emotional moments; you always felt ravenous afterward. At concerts, too, she remembered - such an anticlimax, after that high spiritual plane. But it invariably happened, a swing of the pendulum, as though people were afraid to be too removed from earth and needed the reassurance of solid food."
Like Deborah, I'm walking away from the wedding feeling the need to connect and reconnect. And I think that's Lindbergh's point. Dearly beloved, we are *gathered together* ...
In Dearly Beloved, Anne Lindbergh uses the brief moments of a wedding ceremony to examine a dozen perspectives on life and marriage and relationships. The entire book takes place between the minutes before the wedding and the bride and groom's departure after dinner. Through the eyes of the bride's mother, a bridesmaid, an old family friend, an uncle, a grandfather, Lindbergh explores the mysteries of a good marriage, the problem of loneliness, and the fears we all struggle with.
The book is labeled a novel, but apparently Lindbergh liked to call it her "reflections in a fictional frame." It's the perfect frame. Tell me you haven't attended a wedding and found yourself paying no attention to the ceremony and instead thinking about your own life, your own relationships, your own marriage, your own children. Surely Anne and I can't be the only ones!
Through her characters' thoughts, she touches hopes and regrets, fears and pleasure. She gives you the gift of not only seeing the world through the eyes of your perspective but through those of so many people orbiting all around you, connected and inter-woven. The view is revealing and humbling.
To give you a small taste of the beauty, here's a passage from the bride's grandfather, who finds himself recalling an inside joke dating back to his honeymoon. He had recently nursed his wife until her death.
"A joke he couldn't share anymore – such a trivial thing to regret. But it was the trivial things you regretted. You came to terms with the big things. They were still intact, even shared in some way; only the little things vanished. He couldn't help grieving over them a bit..."
The bridesmaid thinks about when it will be her turn. The groom's mother reflects on how she's prepared him to care for his wife. The spinster aunt wonders if anyone understands how deeply she values marriage and family.
And at the end, when the spell of the ceremony and all their private reflections are broken, they flock to each other, and to food.
"There was something about big emotional moments; you always felt ravenous afterward. At concerts, too, she remembered - such an anticlimax, after that high spiritual plane. But it invariably happened, a swing of the pendulum, as though people were afraid to be too removed from earth and needed the reassurance of solid food."
Like Deborah, I'm walking away from the wedding feeling the need to connect and reconnect. And I think that's Lindbergh's point. Dearly beloved, we are *gathered together* ...
March 24, 2016
At #2 on the bestseller list for 1962, Dearly Beloved is a meditation on marriage. It takes place on one day during a marriage ceremony. Each chapter takes the voice of one member of the wedding party or one of the guests, thus covering many and various views of marriage and a look at different marriages that succeeded or failed.
I was worried going in that this would be a sappy, religious screed but it wasn't. I found it surprisingly modern (for the times) even though the author clearly supports the institution. She also clearly recognized the pitfalls showing that the act of getting married does not guarantee marital bliss.
Once again I have read a book from 1962 that falls into a common theme in that year. It is another harbinger of change coming as regards women, the family, and sex. For some reason there are not chapters from the viewpoint of the bride or groom. Though the book is short, I got bored about halfway through but I did admire the concept.
Anne Morrow Lindbergh was the wife of aviator Charles Lindbergh. They suffered the kidnapping and death of their first child in 1932, but went on to have several more children. Anne was Charles's co-pilot and a seemingly indefatigable person.
In addition to everything else she was a prolific writer. They both had affairs outside of marriage and Charles was labeled a Fascist for a time during WWII. She had plenty of experience to draw on for Dearly Beloved though the book is tame in comparison.
Now I am so curious about this author. Melanie Benjamin (The Swans of Fifth Avenue) published The Aviator's Wife in 2013, a fictional account of Anne's life. I am suspicious of all these "wife novels" as I call them. They just keep coming. But now I am thinking I might read this one. Has anyone read it?
I was worried going in that this would be a sappy, religious screed but it wasn't. I found it surprisingly modern (for the times) even though the author clearly supports the institution. She also clearly recognized the pitfalls showing that the act of getting married does not guarantee marital bliss.
Once again I have read a book from 1962 that falls into a common theme in that year. It is another harbinger of change coming as regards women, the family, and sex. For some reason there are not chapters from the viewpoint of the bride or groom. Though the book is short, I got bored about halfway through but I did admire the concept.
Anne Morrow Lindbergh was the wife of aviator Charles Lindbergh. They suffered the kidnapping and death of their first child in 1932, but went on to have several more children. Anne was Charles's co-pilot and a seemingly indefatigable person.
In addition to everything else she was a prolific writer. They both had affairs outside of marriage and Charles was labeled a Fascist for a time during WWII. She had plenty of experience to draw on for Dearly Beloved though the book is tame in comparison.
Now I am so curious about this author. Melanie Benjamin (The Swans of Fifth Avenue) published The Aviator's Wife in 2013, a fictional account of Anne's life. I am suspicious of all these "wife novels" as I call them. They just keep coming. But now I am thinking I might read this one. Has anyone read it?
July 10, 2010
Yet another insightful and wonderfully written book by Anne Morrow Lindbergh. I loved her book "Gift from the Sea" (as I am reading it again) and this one did not disappoint. Poignant view points from different members of a wedding party surrounding the wedding of a young couple. Different perspectives on love, relationships, and marriage...both good and bad. Thoughts on divorce and commitment some I agreed with, and others I did not. However, it rang true with the deeper meaning of love and what it is to truly love another selflessly and how similar that is to Christlike love in itself. Not with strings or expectations but with the knowledge of the imperfections in others and enjoying them and life despite those pitfalls. I wrote more about this book on my blog.
February 21, 2015
Dearly Beloved which is about marriage, helped me through times of trouble in my own marriage.
August 30, 2017
Anne Morrow Lindbergh had a gift for seeing and really knowing the heart and being able to articulate the things the rest of us only feel in an ambiguous way. I was surprised that this book with a 1962 copyright seemed so contemporary in so many ways. Although I sometimes had a hard time keeping who's who straight, I enjoyed the glimpse into each of the characters' thoughts about love, change, hope, expectations, etc. as they witnessed the wedding of a loved one. At every wedding I attend, I think back to my own wedding day and reminisce about how I felt that day, what my dreams were, and who we are as a couple today, so it was enjoyable to read a novel that did just that with multiple characters' viewpoints. I kept expecting a chapter from the viewpoint of the bride or groom, but by the end, I knew that it was just right to leave them in the background and to focus on the secondary players instead. Here's a passage that I went back to and read several times, just to enjoy the beauty of the writing and to remember how it felt during my own wedding right after the pronouncement of "man and wife":
"The couple at the window looked up and faced one another, smiling in a daze of surprised recognition. Waking as from a dream, the bride and groom rediscovered each other with relief, no longer the terrifying strangers they had seemed at the start of the service....They turned, arm in arm, and started back toward the room of waiting friends. Lightly, gaily, they started back, half lilting to the music. How different from the leaden dirge up the aisle toward a moment of solemnity, toward the passing of time, toward death and eternity. Now they were dancing back to life, life instantaneous, life overflowing, open-armed life."
"The couple at the window looked up and faced one another, smiling in a daze of surprised recognition. Waking as from a dream, the bride and groom rediscovered each other with relief, no longer the terrifying strangers they had seemed at the start of the service....They turned, arm in arm, and started back toward the room of waiting friends. Lightly, gaily, they started back, half lilting to the music. How different from the leaden dirge up the aisle toward a moment of solemnity, toward the passing of time, toward death and eternity. Now they were dancing back to life, life instantaneous, life overflowing, open-armed life."
April 3, 2008
I bought this book, despite seeing some less than favourable reviews on other sites, having read several of Anne Morrow Lindbergh's journals and A Gift from the Sea. I am very glad that I persisted.
Anne's tone and style is as expected: lyrical and insightful, calming and thought-provoking. This is a novel and as such it is a simplistic formula: a summer wedding is described through the eyes of assorted members of the congregation as the service progresses. The first third of this slim volume seemed difficult to get into but as it progressed, the range of insights and perspectives illumined by each of the characters became increasingly fascinating. Some characters I identified with strongly. Others gave me new insights.
The book is less of a novel and more another vehicle for Anne to pass on more of the thoughts and observations she expresses in her other works. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and consider it every bit as good as Lindbergh's other writings.
Anne's tone and style is as expected: lyrical and insightful, calming and thought-provoking. This is a novel and as such it is a simplistic formula: a summer wedding is described through the eyes of assorted members of the congregation as the service progresses. The first third of this slim volume seemed difficult to get into but as it progressed, the range of insights and perspectives illumined by each of the characters became increasingly fascinating. Some characters I identified with strongly. Others gave me new insights.
The book is less of a novel and more another vehicle for Anne to pass on more of the thoughts and observations she expresses in her other works. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and consider it every bit as good as Lindbergh's other writings.
March 25, 2010
I have read many books by Anne Morrow Lindbergh over the years and when I saw this one at the library book sale, I picked it up. It was published in 1962.
It is a little book that takes place during the home wedding of Sally and Mark. Each chapter is a different guest, (Mother of the bride, Father of the groom, Best man, Maid of honor, Grandfather, Great Aunt, Aunt, etc) listening to the wedding vows and thinking introspectively back on their lives, their marriage and relationships. Could things have been different? Their thoughts can evoke a lot of thinking on the part of the reader. Although somewhat dated,there is useful information.
Is there really a perfect marriage or perfect happiness? Could you prepare your children for marriage or did they have to find happiness in their own way?
Anne Morrow Lindbergh was able to present the thoughts of each individual and actually become that person in every case. Well done.
It is a little book that takes place during the home wedding of Sally and Mark. Each chapter is a different guest, (Mother of the bride, Father of the groom, Best man, Maid of honor, Grandfather, Great Aunt, Aunt, etc) listening to the wedding vows and thinking introspectively back on their lives, their marriage and relationships. Could things have been different? Their thoughts can evoke a lot of thinking on the part of the reader. Although somewhat dated,there is useful information.
Is there really a perfect marriage or perfect happiness? Could you prepare your children for marriage or did they have to find happiness in their own way?
Anne Morrow Lindbergh was able to present the thoughts of each individual and actually become that person in every case. Well done.
October 21, 2009
Anne Morrow Lindbergh was either able to read everyone's mind, or was simply a very astute observer of the human race-- male, female, young, old.
This story takes place in one setting, at one time-- a wedding. But each chapter gives us a different point-of-view. The harried mother of the bride, her cynical brother-in-law, a foreign-born best man feeling awkward in this company, a rather starry-eyed maid of honor, an "on the brink" mother of the groom ... the guest list goes on.
A fascinating and honest look at marriage and how we all think of it at differing times of our life.
This story takes place in one setting, at one time-- a wedding. But each chapter gives us a different point-of-view. The harried mother of the bride, her cynical brother-in-law, a foreign-born best man feeling awkward in this company, a rather starry-eyed maid of honor, an "on the brink" mother of the groom ... the guest list goes on.
A fascinating and honest look at marriage and how we all think of it at differing times of our life.
Read
July 1, 2016I so enjoyed reading Hour of Gold, Hour of Lead last summer that when I found this slim volume along side of that one at Powell's I couldn't resist. I know a part of the appeal is that I am at a point in my life when I recognize the various stages and exquisitely unique quality of both my marriage and the marriages around me. Anne Morrow Lindbergh expresses each person's perspective accurately, sometimes with heart-breaking honesty, but never derisively or judgmentally. Jenna, this might be a good book for the Frosties, all at different stages of marriage and life?
March 17, 2016
Lovely book reminiscent of Our Town, Father of the Bride, and Spoon River Anthology....very poetic and character driven...themes are reflective of the meaning of life and the part that love plays in it...
September 8, 2010
My favorite writer. Just came across this novel. A wonderful introspection of many points of view at a wedding. Not only about the wedding, but about life and self.
April 6, 2024
3.75*
From the back of the book -
“A rewarding experience…one of the most thoughtful and thought-provoking books of the season… Mrs. Lindbergh uses the English language beautifully” - by the San Francisco Chronicle
“As timeless now as it was 40 years ago.” - by Joan Anderson
I couldn’t agree more. The next wedding I happen to attend, this book will most definitely be present. I may never see weddings in the same way I did in the past again. I need to pick up the first book,
Gift from the Sea, to see how the families got to the wedding day.
From the back of the book -
“A rewarding experience…one of the most thoughtful and thought-provoking books of the season… Mrs. Lindbergh uses the English language beautifully” - by the San Francisco Chronicle
“As timeless now as it was 40 years ago.” - by Joan Anderson
I couldn’t agree more. The next wedding I happen to attend, this book will most definitely be present. I may never see weddings in the same way I did in the past again. I need to pick up the first book,
Gift from the Sea, to see how the families got to the wedding day.
December 6, 2016
I liked the idea of this book - looking into the minds of several different people at a wedding ceremony and gaining their insights about marriage. In reality, though, I thought the book was overdone. What ended up being 198 pages could have been accomplished in...oh, I don't know...28? The thing that most annoyed me was the constant use of a series of questions to build a thought. I read somewhere once in an advice column about writing that using questions to show interiority is kind of a lazy way to reveal character. And now I understand that bit of advice.
January 4, 2014
Like "Gift of the Sea", intriguing and thought provoking leading the reader to a conclusions summarizing the wisdom. It is especially a good read for those who have been married for several years and can more fully understand the many facets of marriage.
Like Gift of the Sea, it is a soothing and relaxing read... It filled me with peace, perhaps the Holy Spirit speaking His own message to me through these books.
Like Gift of the Sea, it is a soothing and relaxing read... It filled me with peace, perhaps the Holy Spirit speaking His own message to me through these books.
January 11, 2008
A June wedding is the setting for this fictional look at relationships. During the traditional wedding ceremony the novel goes into the minds and emotions of several guests as well as the bride and groom. Reminding them of the commitments they made in the past and of failed relationships, etc. A great book, full of insight, joy and great passages to reflect on.
August 23, 2015
A classic Lindbergh read. Given from the point of view of guests at a wedding, the novel is a reflection of family life and social life as it pertains to the life event that is wedding. "Life had ceased to toll mortality; it was merely ticking the ordinary moments again." I recommend for fans of Lindbergh.
March 26, 2008
I picked this book up at a library sale out of curiosity about the author, who was, yes, Charles Lindbergh's wife. This book was well enough written to keep me intrigued about other books by Lindbergh, but it wasn't anywhere near a must-read for me. I would give it two and a half stars.
February 8, 2012
There are definitely some profound moments in each of the slices of biography in here. I think the style of writing popular at this time made it feel too stiff most of the time for my taste. And it went on for longer than I wanted to listen.
April 25, 2012
Probably wouldn't have chosen this book if it weren't for book club. It reads like a over-analytic physiological drama movie. But, it was interesting that each character's thoughts are examined over the course of a few hours during a small wedding ceremony.
October 25, 2008
Not exactly "read". Couldn't get into it...
July 9, 2008
Dated. Some timeless truths, some more timeless questions, but dated nonetheless.
Read
July 31, 200892L
February 16, 2009
I felt like I got an enticing view into the mysteries of the minds of 1950s suburbanites. Kind of cold and depressing.
January 6, 2010
I want to love this, but I think I need more time to come back to it.
August 31, 2010
Weddings.
September 9, 2010
Thought provoking. Different characters narrate the story and you see the same event through their eyes. I love it.
June 6, 2011
I didn't like it for a while but I liked it better by the end. Not my favorite but gives you a lot to think about. I read some quotes from it to my kids.
March 1, 2013
I really liked this book but then again, I am on a Lindbergh jag right now :) What is going through people's heads at a wedding? No one is thinking the same thing. Made me think.
May 31, 2013
A lovely fictional exploration of marriages. I enjoy her language, but particularly her insights and the way I reflected on marriage and relationships and personal frailty while reading.
November 30, 2013
Ms. Lindbergh is an unbelievable writer- a wedding from each guest's perspective.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews