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Bodies of Water
Greenwood is a writer of subtle strength. . .finding light in the darkest of stories. -- Publishers Weekly on Two Rivers
In 1960, Billie Valentine is a young housewife living in a sleepy Massachusetts suburb, treading water in a dull marriage and caring for two adopted daughters. Summers spent with the girls at their lakeside camp in Vermont are her one escape--from her husband's demands, from days consumed by household drudgery, and from the nagging suspicion that life was supposed to hold something different.
Then a new family moves in across the street. Ted and Eva Wilson have three children and a fourth on the way, and their arrival reignites long-buried feelings in Billie. The affair that follows offers a solace Billie has never known, until her secret is revealed and both families are wrenched apart in the tragic aftermath.
Fifty years later, Ted and Eva's son, Johnny, contacts an elderly but still spry Billie, entreating her to return east to meet with him. Once there, Billie finally learns the surprising truth about what was lost, and what still remains, of those joyful, momentous summers.
In this deeply tender novel, T. Greenwood weaves deftly between the past and present to create a poignant and wonderfully moving story of friendship, the resonance of memories, and the love that keeps us afloat.
"Complex and compelling." --Eleanor Brown, New York Times bestselling author of The Weird Sisters
In 1960, Billie Valentine is a young housewife living in a sleepy Massachusetts suburb, treading water in a dull marriage and caring for two adopted daughters. Summers spent with the girls at their lakeside camp in Vermont are her one escape--from her husband's demands, from days consumed by household drudgery, and from the nagging suspicion that life was supposed to hold something different.
Then a new family moves in across the street. Ted and Eva Wilson have three children and a fourth on the way, and their arrival reignites long-buried feelings in Billie. The affair that follows offers a solace Billie has never known, until her secret is revealed and both families are wrenched apart in the tragic aftermath.
Fifty years later, Ted and Eva's son, Johnny, contacts an elderly but still spry Billie, entreating her to return east to meet with him. Once there, Billie finally learns the surprising truth about what was lost, and what still remains, of those joyful, momentous summers.
In this deeply tender novel, T. Greenwood weaves deftly between the past and present to create a poignant and wonderfully moving story of friendship, the resonance of memories, and the love that keeps us afloat.
"Complex and compelling." --Eleanor Brown, New York Times bestselling author of The Weird Sisters
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
115 people are currently reading
5955 people want to read
About the author
T. Greenwood
25 books1,822 followersT. Greenwood is the author of sixteen novels. She has received grants from the Sherwood Anderson Foundation, the Christopher Isherwood Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Maryland State Arts Council. She has won four San Diego Book Awards. Five of her novels have been IndieNext picks. BODIES OF WATER was finalist for a Lambda Foundation award and KEEPING LUCY was a Target Book Club selection.
She teaches creative writing for San Diego Writer's Ink and The Writer's Center. She and her family split their time between San Diego and Vermont. She is also a photographer.
More information on T. Greenwood can be found at her websites: http://www.tgreenwood.com
She teaches creative writing for San Diego Writer's Ink and The Writer's Center. She and her family split their time between San Diego and Vermont. She is also a photographer.
More information on T. Greenwood can be found at her websites: http://www.tgreenwood.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 437 reviews
May 21, 2017
Update... THANK YOU... soooo sweet to the couple of people who just now noticed this review form 3 years ago. I STILL remember this book. My good friends Lisi and Iris do too. If you haven't read it... and are looking
for a book to lose yourself in completely... this is a great pic.
My very close friend from Jr. High School, said *****READ THIS BOOK****! We are friends for more than 40 years.
I'm thankful and love my friend. Lisi was always reading as a child.
I just wanted to talk about BOYS. Go to school dances together, to dance with BOYS.
Cook BBQ chicken wings.
Talk with Boys on the phone for hours during our sleep-overs.
I wanted to wear her cute clothes....(she always let me).
We had many wild - fun - crazy adventures ---camping with BOYS.
Growing up with Lisi was FUN!
Yet, did Lisi and I once share about books as KIDS together? No, because I hadn't discovered the SECRET PASSION yet -- (as Lisi knew from birth)
I think Lisi secretly loves me more now -- :)
This is a book to share with your friends. GUYS are allowed --Yet--I think women will enjoy it more.
Its a good book! Lots of drama --A little suspense. A few surprises. (unless you're smart like me). Ha ha!
Billie and Eva are housewives with kids.
They live across the street from each other --(they become close friends from pure boredom at first)
The kids are friends. (all about the same ages)
Billie and Eva Cook, bake, lead the Girl Scout Troop together, share coffee in the morning when the kids are at school, do cleaning, sewing, make costumes, take a few field trips with the girl scouts together...etc.
The husbands worked during the day. They are often 'plastered' at night.
Both husband's have control over the money, the cars, and choices of recreation.
TODAY --- 2014
Lisi and I are both married to wonderful men over 30 years.
I experience love -partnership, freedom, friendship with my husband Paul. Lisi does with her husband husband.
We are blessed to be in a great marriage.
We have freedom to choose whom we love and whom we are friends with.
In 1960:
Not only did Billie and Eva not feel blessed in their marriages --(lacking love, power, unstable & abusive relationships), but they also didn't feel much freedom anywhere in life! The world was not ready for these two ladies to express themselves freely.
T. Greenwood is a great storyteller. I'll read her again. Yet. This was my first book by her.
I did see a few weak spots ---a couple parts needed to be better developed --(but I don't want to give the storyline away).
A few parts better editing.
Plus, I felt the ending was rushed, lacking full power. Not 'enough' flourishing.
By 'hanging-readers-by-a-string', as long as the author did towards the end of the book, it only made 'very' clear of the ending.
I enjoyed crafting-writing-style: Past and Present. (easy to follow --and enjoyable)
Billie was the perfect narrator.
STRONG FIT -- swimmer --
I loved how the story was looking back. Something beautiful about an 80 years old looking back at her life. Especially an 80 year old who is still strong, fit, and swimming in the ocean!!
If Billie were born today --in 2014 ---the obstacles she faced in "Bodies of Water" would not be an issue.
Yet ALL generations ---seek personal comfort (survival comfort for their 'needs-of-the-day'). The water was Billie's comfort--Swimming in the ocean. Its the place she felt most free --
Here is a Quote from *Billie* herself:
"Water is where I feel most at home. It is where I go when I cannot sleep, when I cannot think, when my nerves are raw".
***I can relate to those feelings about water with *Billie*! I share that same passion about the water!
p.s. THANKS, Lisi!!!
for a book to lose yourself in completely... this is a great pic.
My very close friend from Jr. High School, said *****READ THIS BOOK****! We are friends for more than 40 years.
I'm thankful and love my friend. Lisi was always reading as a child.
I just wanted to talk about BOYS. Go to school dances together, to dance with BOYS.
Cook BBQ chicken wings.
Talk with Boys on the phone for hours during our sleep-overs.
I wanted to wear her cute clothes....(she always let me).
We had many wild - fun - crazy adventures ---camping with BOYS.
Growing up with Lisi was FUN!
Yet, did Lisi and I once share about books as KIDS together? No, because I hadn't discovered the SECRET PASSION yet -- (as Lisi knew from birth)
I think Lisi secretly loves me more now -- :)
This is a book to share with your friends. GUYS are allowed --Yet--I think women will enjoy it more.
Its a good book! Lots of drama --A little suspense. A few surprises. (unless you're smart like me). Ha ha!
Billie and Eva are housewives with kids.
They live across the street from each other --(they become close friends from pure boredom at first)
The kids are friends. (all about the same ages)
Billie and Eva Cook, bake, lead the Girl Scout Troop together, share coffee in the morning when the kids are at school, do cleaning, sewing, make costumes, take a few field trips with the girl scouts together...etc.
The husbands worked during the day. They are often 'plastered' at night.
Both husband's have control over the money, the cars, and choices of recreation.
TODAY --- 2014
Lisi and I are both married to wonderful men over 30 years.
I experience love -partnership, freedom, friendship with my husband Paul. Lisi does with her husband husband.
We are blessed to be in a great marriage.
We have freedom to choose whom we love and whom we are friends with.
In 1960:
Not only did Billie and Eva not feel blessed in their marriages --(lacking love, power, unstable & abusive relationships), but they also didn't feel much freedom anywhere in life! The world was not ready for these two ladies to express themselves freely.
T. Greenwood is a great storyteller. I'll read her again. Yet. This was my first book by her.
I did see a few weak spots ---a couple parts needed to be better developed --(but I don't want to give the storyline away).
A few parts better editing.
Plus, I felt the ending was rushed, lacking full power. Not 'enough' flourishing.
By 'hanging-readers-by-a-string', as long as the author did towards the end of the book, it only made 'very' clear of the ending.
I enjoyed crafting-writing-style: Past and Present. (easy to follow --and enjoyable)
Billie was the perfect narrator.
STRONG FIT -- swimmer --
I loved how the story was looking back. Something beautiful about an 80 years old looking back at her life. Especially an 80 year old who is still strong, fit, and swimming in the ocean!!
If Billie were born today --in 2014 ---the obstacles she faced in "Bodies of Water" would not be an issue.
Yet ALL generations ---seek personal comfort (survival comfort for their 'needs-of-the-day'). The water was Billie's comfort--Swimming in the ocean. Its the place she felt most free --
Here is a Quote from *Billie* herself:
"Water is where I feel most at home. It is where I go when I cannot sleep, when I cannot think, when my nerves are raw".
***I can relate to those feelings about water with *Billie*! I share that same passion about the water!
p.s. THANKS, Lisi!!!
February 13, 2017
This was a very moving book, I believe I will always remember it... I must look at other books by this author.
February 9, 2017
I am heartbroken but inspired by Billie and Eva's devotion for each other, their overwhelming passion and their willingness to fight, against all odds, for their love...
Can Love conquer all? Not always, but what a privilege to experience such a deep connection with another person's soul in our lifetimes.
Thank you Elyse - and by extension thank you Lisi- for recommending this wonderful book. And of course thank you T. Greenwood for having the empathy and sensibility to write this story.
Regardless of the sexual orientation of the characters, this is one of the most moving, intense, beautiful love stories I've ever read. In this case the protagonists just happened to involved two women.
March 26, 2018
5 stars for gorgeous writing and a story that breaks one's heart
This was probably the most beautifully written, saddest love story I have ever read. A gorgeous story told in a loving and beautiful way through T. Greenwood's sensitive and lovely prose. This is a true must read for all those who enjoy and treasure a story of love, longing, and heartbreak.
This was probably the most beautifully written, saddest love story I have ever read. A gorgeous story told in a loving and beautiful way through T. Greenwood's sensitive and lovely prose. This is a true must read for all those who enjoy and treasure a story of love, longing, and heartbreak.
August 12, 2018
This book will stay with me for a long time and I think will go down as being among the best books I’ve ever read. I finished reading it this morning, cried through the last 20 pages, and have been thinking about it all day. In 1960, Billie was married to Frankie and they had two girls and she was going through the motions of her humdrum life. Then, Eva and Ted and their three children, with another on the way, move in across the road. A friendship turns into a deeply moving love affair and the build up to the inevitable moment when it all comes tumbling down and did it ever come tumbling down! The way this book was written was fantastic and I just don’t have the words to do it justice. You just have to read it!
February 28, 2018
A tragic love story of two women stuck in unhappy marriages during the 1960's. The story moves between present day and the early 1960's. Both husbands are alcoholics and one is quite violent. The author mentioned in an interview that while the story is a work of fiction, the character Billie was actually based on her aunt. Overall, I found it to be a memorable and worthwhile read. The love story is haunting with passages that were profoundly moving.
April 23, 2015
One of the most hauntingly beautiful books I've ever read. This will stay with me for a very long time.
January 11, 2018
”This is what I know: memory is the same as water. It permeates and saturates. Quenches and satisfies. It can hold you up or pull you under; render you weightless or drown you. It is tangible, but elusive. My memories of Eva are like this: the watery dreams of the past I can no more easily grasp than a fistful of the ocean.”
I am not crying. I am not crying.
I. AM. NOT. FUCKING. CRYING.
I almost never cry in books, but this book had me a sniveling, sobbing mess. I wasn’t expecting this book to pack the punch that it did, and I certainly didn’t ever suspect I would care about a couple as much as I did Billie and Eva. But the surprises are never-ending with this book, as I soon learned from reading.
Billie Valentine is a housewife living a relatively normal life in Vermont. It’s the 1960s, so her primary job is to stay home, take care of the house and her two girls, and make her husband happy. It’s a boring existence, and not the easiest of ones since Frank isn’t the best husband to have (or even her first choice).
I’m really at a loss for words to describe this novel. There’s an overwhelming sadness about it, but there’s also an underlying sense of optimism about it. As if the author herself isn’t ready to give up on the idea that maybe, just maybe, she can give her characters the happiness they deserve. It obviously doesn’t turn out that way since she’ll put your emotions through the ringer, but it’s there.
As you watch Billie and Eva’s relationship develop from friendship to something more, you’ll really be able to see their bond deepen. Some couples in literature claim to have a deep bond, but they really don’t. Here, there will be no denying it; no question that they not only truly love each other, but are meant to be together.
This was alternately the most beautiful love story I’ve read so far this year but also the most heartbreaking. I’ve never rooted for a ship harder than I have for this one, and while I didn’t quite get the happy ending I was looking for, what I got instead was the most beautiful and tender of love stories that shows that no matter how much time passes, love will almost always conquer all.
I am not crying. I am not crying.
I. AM. NOT. FUCKING. CRYING.
I almost never cry in books, but this book had me a sniveling, sobbing mess. I wasn’t expecting this book to pack the punch that it did, and I certainly didn’t ever suspect I would care about a couple as much as I did Billie and Eva. But the surprises are never-ending with this book, as I soon learned from reading.
Billie Valentine is a housewife living a relatively normal life in Vermont. It’s the 1960s, so her primary job is to stay home, take care of the house and her two girls, and make her husband happy. It’s a boring existence, and not the easiest of ones since Frank isn’t the best husband to have (or even her first choice).
”That was the one thing about Frankie. He was able to see the potential in things. I’m fairly certain that was the only reason why he’d wound up with me in the first place. I was fixer-upper in his eyes. A girl with real potential.”But her world is about to change when new neighbors move in across the street, bringing on the arrival of the Wilson family. Another picture-perfect family, Eva Wilson is the seemingly ideal 1960s housewife, and she and Billie become fast friends. It soon turns into something more, and at a time when lesbian relationships were considered extremely taboo, theirs must be kept a secret. But as they soon find out, some secrets aren’t meant to be kept quiet.
I’m really at a loss for words to describe this novel. There’s an overwhelming sadness about it, but there’s also an underlying sense of optimism about it. As if the author herself isn’t ready to give up on the idea that maybe, just maybe, she can give her characters the happiness they deserve. It obviously doesn’t turn out that way since she’ll put your emotions through the ringer, but it’s there.
As you watch Billie and Eva’s relationship develop from friendship to something more, you’ll really be able to see their bond deepen. Some couples in literature claim to have a deep bond, but they really don’t. Here, there will be no denying it; no question that they not only truly love each other, but are meant to be together.
”I am thinking of Eva as I walk from the bar back to my cottage. She is in the swaying palm trees, in the moon, in the receding tide. I hear her voice in the tinkling wind chimes that hang from my porch, feel her touch in the breeze.”At times though, you’ll chide them for being so seemingly selfish and careless about their relationship, particularly when it comes to their children. You’ll cluck your tongue at how in the world they could just let six and seven year old’s trick or treat by themselves while they have a tryst in the woods. But at the same time, you’ll understand (in a weird and twisted way), why they have to be so fucking selfish. Because being selfish is the only way they can have a relationship. If anyone found out, they’d crucify them. We see through this book how far we’ve come, and how much work we have to do.
This was alternately the most beautiful love story I’ve read so far this year but also the most heartbreaking. I’ve never rooted for a ship harder than I have for this one, and while I didn’t quite get the happy ending I was looking for, what I got instead was the most beautiful and tender of love stories that shows that no matter how much time passes, love will almost always conquer all.
”If they were to listen, to really listen, they would hear the waves crashing on the shore behind her, beating like a pulse: Eva. Eva.”
September 11, 2013
Synopsis:
When aging Billie receives a phone call from Johnny, once her next door neighbor’s little boy, now a grown man with problems of his own, she is forced to recall the love of her life and how it ended in tragedy.
Review:
Before I even discuss the actual story, I really really need you to know that Bodies of Water is so crazy good that three things happened to me:
I had to stop and catch my breath three quarters of the way through because the heartache was so intense. (Readers, you know that this is a very good thing.)
Of course I did not stop reading because I was desperate to find out what happened, which then led to me sobbing hysterically on the M train from Manhattan to Queens when I reached the end.
I am so eager to tell the world about this book that for once I am not procrastinating writing my blog post about it.
T. Greenwood has been a favorite author of mine ever since I read one of her early books (I think her second) Nearer than the Sky, and I swear each book is better than the one before. With Bodies of Water, she develops a love story that is so all-consuming that you forget everything you thought you knew or believed. I can’t imagine anyone not falling for Billie and Eva and their life-changing connection. Billie is such a compelling protagonist, never self-pitying but completely unable to forgive herself even though she knows she couldn’t have made any other choices than the ones that set the tragedy in motion. Her family life and that of her neighbors is fully realized, and you really feel the dreamy languor of a perfect summer day, as well as the icy chill of a Christmas ruined by violence.
I am a junkie for structure, and this one is carved out of wood, as Tyler Durden would say. She maintains the suspense of the present day story while parceling out the past with pitch-perfect pacing. And even though I suspected what was coming, I still loved how it all played out. Well done!
When aging Billie receives a phone call from Johnny, once her next door neighbor’s little boy, now a grown man with problems of his own, she is forced to recall the love of her life and how it ended in tragedy.
Review:
Before I even discuss the actual story, I really really need you to know that Bodies of Water is so crazy good that three things happened to me:
I had to stop and catch my breath three quarters of the way through because the heartache was so intense. (Readers, you know that this is a very good thing.)
Of course I did not stop reading because I was desperate to find out what happened, which then led to me sobbing hysterically on the M train from Manhattan to Queens when I reached the end.
I am so eager to tell the world about this book that for once I am not procrastinating writing my blog post about it.
T. Greenwood has been a favorite author of mine ever since I read one of her early books (I think her second) Nearer than the Sky, and I swear each book is better than the one before. With Bodies of Water, she develops a love story that is so all-consuming that you forget everything you thought you knew or believed. I can’t imagine anyone not falling for Billie and Eva and their life-changing connection. Billie is such a compelling protagonist, never self-pitying but completely unable to forgive herself even though she knows she couldn’t have made any other choices than the ones that set the tragedy in motion. Her family life and that of her neighbors is fully realized, and you really feel the dreamy languor of a perfect summer day, as well as the icy chill of a Christmas ruined by violence.
I am a junkie for structure, and this one is carved out of wood, as Tyler Durden would say. She maintains the suspense of the present day story while parceling out the past with pitch-perfect pacing. And even though I suspected what was coming, I still loved how it all played out. Well done!
August 28, 2018
4.5 stars
When GR friend Heather recently said this was one of her all time favourite books I added it to my list straight away and the local library had a copy so I thought why not get into while it’s fresh on my mind. I can certainly see why it’s so popular – it’s a very moving love story with authentic characters and told with great compassion and empathy. T. Greenwood conveys the simple family life, the domesticity, the patriarchy of the early 1960s really well and skilfully shifts between Billie as on older woman reminiscing about her earlier life and that time some 50 years prior when she met her neighbour Eva. I feel a bit mean taking half a star off but I just wasn’t crazy about the ending. This is a very minor quibble though. I am now really keen to read her latest book Rust and Stardust.
When GR friend Heather recently said this was one of her all time favourite books I added it to my list straight away and the local library had a copy so I thought why not get into while it’s fresh on my mind. I can certainly see why it’s so popular – it’s a very moving love story with authentic characters and told with great compassion and empathy. T. Greenwood conveys the simple family life, the domesticity, the patriarchy of the early 1960s really well and skilfully shifts between Billie as on older woman reminiscing about her earlier life and that time some 50 years prior when she met her neighbour Eva. I feel a bit mean taking half a star off but I just wasn’t crazy about the ending. This is a very minor quibble though. I am now really keen to read her latest book Rust and Stardust.
October 28, 2013
This is the kind of book that needs more than 5 stars. So amazing. I wanted to finish in one day, but my children needed, you know, food and stuff. Best Greenwood yet.
September 4, 2013
T. Greenwood has created a heart-breaking love story that will resonate in my mind for a very, very long time. Her characters are vibrant and believable in both their love and their cruelty. While it's set in the late 50s and early 60s, there are so many issues that still, sadly, stand today. This is not a typical love story, and it will make you angry, sad, joyous, confused, afraid, misty-eyed and disgusted no matter what side of the issues you identify with. I don't want to tell you more, I want you to read this book and experience the careful reveals that this author writes so very, very well. T. Greenwood just gets better and better with every book.
November 24, 2016
Bodies of Water is about two 1960s suburban "housewives" who live across the street, fall in love and find hope and escape from the daily drudgery of their lives (for a short time). Greenwood does a terrific job exploring a powerful and complicated love story as well as the repression of the era. The novel is a timely reminder that life was not "great" for many Americans in the early 1960s. Greenwood's writing is clear and resonant and I will certainly read more of her novels. (Thanks for the recommendation David!)
November 15, 2014
Amazing hidden treasure
This book was recommended to me by a good friend who knows what I like to read. She was truly spot on with this lovely book. I dare say that it reminds me a little of "Brokeback Mountain" whereas it is a forbidden and tragic love story, but this time between two women in the early sixties. A time where a love like theirs was forbidden. When women were merely fixtures, wives and mothers, only there to serve their husbands and do as they were told. Beyond this being a beautiful love story, the author's description of the turning seasons through the years, and her parody of water to her life is stunning.
This book was recommended to me by a good friend who knows what I like to read. She was truly spot on with this lovely book. I dare say that it reminds me a little of "Brokeback Mountain" whereas it is a forbidden and tragic love story, but this time between two women in the early sixties. A time where a love like theirs was forbidden. When women were merely fixtures, wives and mothers, only there to serve their husbands and do as they were told. Beyond this being a beautiful love story, the author's description of the turning seasons through the years, and her parody of water to her life is stunning.
October 5, 2013
This is a brave, haunting love story with the breathless pacing of a mystery novel. Ostensibly the story of forbidden love between two women in an era when such a thing was not only considered a crime, but a sin, BODIES OF WATER also catalogs the claustrophobia of being a stay-at-home mom in the 1960's when your husband's word was law. Despite the harsh, almost Shakespearean tragic story line, Greenwood writes with such empathy for all of her characters that readers are left with a feeling of hope--and a sense of gratitude that the world has, indeed, changed for the better.
December 19, 2014
Beautiful. Sad. Forever Memorable.
October 2, 2013
I was born in 1960 so it is somewhat hard for me to comprehend how women lived by the rules and mores of that time...before we 'burnt the bra' so to speak. Husbands made all the rules, wives stayed home, and married, because that is what was expected of them and they didn't question their husbands regardless of whether they were good men, or bad. Wives didn't work outside the home as a rule, but the work in the home was by far more exhausting...the floors were cleaned and washed Everyday, meals made from scratch, groceries bought daily for freshness. The children were taught RESPECT above all things; they were up to do their chores, get ready for school, and not bother Dad when he came home from a hard day; they did what they were told, Period. Women never questioned those strange 'feelings' they had; they put them aside, thought they were disturbed somehow to feel things that were not the 'norm'. Women could be 'locked' away for feeling things that didn't gel with society in that time, and their husbands could just sign them away for observation.
I'm not sure what I would hold onto from that time, maybe only the innocence of that by-gone era...but as a woman I am so very grateful to those women who came before me to stand up for themselves, to put their feelings and needs to the forefront, to fight for equal rights not only for jobs and pay but for Love! We've come a LONG way, Ladies and to those that paved the way I am forever grateful!!!
That being said, this is an amazing Love Story~in every way...motherhood, passion, family. It is a look at what was, and what is. It is about forgiveness, it is about memories~what are real, what are just fragments of real. It's about holding on to a dream, and about letting go!
Thank you T. Greenwood for a wonderful experience!
I'm not sure what I would hold onto from that time, maybe only the innocence of that by-gone era...but as a woman I am so very grateful to those women who came before me to stand up for themselves, to put their feelings and needs to the forefront, to fight for equal rights not only for jobs and pay but for Love! We've come a LONG way, Ladies and to those that paved the way I am forever grateful!!!
That being said, this is an amazing Love Story~in every way...motherhood, passion, family. It is a look at what was, and what is. It is about forgiveness, it is about memories~what are real, what are just fragments of real. It's about holding on to a dream, and about letting go!
Thank you T. Greenwood for a wonderful experience!
October 5, 2013
I’ve been traveling and haven’t been able to review this magnificent novel (which I read in 3 hours). Tammy Greenwood’s books are insanely readable. The kind where you’re only going to read the first 10 pages and then start making dinner and meanwhile you’re suddenly 200 pages in and feeding one’s children becomes an afterthought. Like all her novels, this is beautiful and stark and haunting. Her books truly make you feel, even if you don’t relate to the characters.
This book involves two time periods, modern day and small town 1960s where two neighbors develop a powerful, touching bond. As always, Greenwood excels in character development. Never mind Billie and Eva, which goes without saying, I found the portrayal of the extraneous characters, especially Ted, brilliant. Good time guy, with extreme darkness lurking beneath. But regarding Billie and Eva, the thrill of their budding relationship is keenly felt. Billie’s anxiousness, her insecurity, it all made me feel anxious and insecure too. I was right there with the characters.
I love that this was based on a real relationship and that the author took a germ of a story and turned it into such a beautiful novel. Admittedly I wanted to know a bit more about the original story. I guess that will have to stay a mystery. Another gorgeous read to add to Greenwood’s stable of incomparable work.
This book involves two time periods, modern day and small town 1960s where two neighbors develop a powerful, touching bond. As always, Greenwood excels in character development. Never mind Billie and Eva, which goes without saying, I found the portrayal of the extraneous characters, especially Ted, brilliant. Good time guy, with extreme darkness lurking beneath. But regarding Billie and Eva, the thrill of their budding relationship is keenly felt. Billie’s anxiousness, her insecurity, it all made me feel anxious and insecure too. I was right there with the characters.
I love that this was based on a real relationship and that the author took a germ of a story and turned it into such a beautiful novel. Admittedly I wanted to know a bit more about the original story. I guess that will have to stay a mystery. Another gorgeous read to add to Greenwood’s stable of incomparable work.
November 21, 2017
If you have not yet read any of T. Greenwood's books....you must!!
Our little on line book group highlighted her this year as a Focus on One Author & I think all 6 of her books that we read were big hits & well discussed.
Her writing is beautiful, the imagery is at times musical & at other times too painful. Even in the darkest & some of the most painful parts of her books, the wording is lovely, respectful & real.
This particular story was especially heartbreaking, a true love story but not where one would expect it & in the early 60's no less.
I am still catching my breath & wiping away my tears.....
We are looking forward to her 8/2018 release!
Our little on line book group highlighted her this year as a Focus on One Author & I think all 6 of her books that we read were big hits & well discussed.
Her writing is beautiful, the imagery is at times musical & at other times too painful. Even in the darkest & some of the most painful parts of her books, the wording is lovely, respectful & real.
This particular story was especially heartbreaking, a true love story but not where one would expect it & in the early 60's no less.
I am still catching my breath & wiping away my tears.....
We are looking forward to her 8/2018 release!
January 29, 2024
Absolutely fabulous book..a love story and so much more...this was my first book by this author but will definitely not be my last! I literally couldn't put this book down and miss the characters already..2 thumbs up..five stars doesn't seem enough!! Read this book then tell everyone about it!!!
February 7, 2019
3.5 stars
This is a beautiful and very tragic forbidden love story. I liked it and appreciated its message, but I found it somewhat old-fashioned, drawn out and dull in parts, hence 3.5 stars. This fictional story takes place in the early 1960s and describes a very passionate and all consuming love affair between two young women, Billie and Eva. Both of them are married housewifes, with children, stuck in loveless marriages and completely dependent on their husbands for survival. What initially begins as a friendship, grows into something much more serious and deep and eventually turns their quite worlds upside down and destroys their families. Nowadays, everything is allowed and it's easy to take things for granted - that was not the case 60 years ago, when homosexual relationships were considered sick, twisted and sinful. How many lives and how many relationships were ruined in vain! This was a sad but important and memorable read.
This is a beautiful and very tragic forbidden love story. I liked it and appreciated its message, but I found it somewhat old-fashioned, drawn out and dull in parts, hence 3.5 stars. This fictional story takes place in the early 1960s and describes a very passionate and all consuming love affair between two young women, Billie and Eva. Both of them are married housewifes, with children, stuck in loveless marriages and completely dependent on their husbands for survival. What initially begins as a friendship, grows into something much more serious and deep and eventually turns their quite worlds upside down and destroys their families. Nowadays, everything is allowed and it's easy to take things for granted - that was not the case 60 years ago, when homosexual relationships were considered sick, twisted and sinful. How many lives and how many relationships were ruined in vain! This was a sad but important and memorable read.
October 18, 2014
4.5 Stars. This is a story about 2 women, Billie & Eva and is set in the early 1960s when housewives stayed home to raise children & obey their husbands. Makes you realize what a different & unaccepting time it was. This is not your typical love story, yet it was tender & beautiful... I couldn't put it down. The ending made me cry, which was a little awkward since I was reading it while walking on the treadmill at the YMCA! Very well written & would totally recommend.
July 31, 2013
This novel is not out yet and I do not want to go into details that will give anything away. I got my hands on ARC. It is about family and the obligations that can sometimes lock us in tight to a life that makes us feel trapped in our skin. It is about a time when loving who you wanted wasn't such a free choice. But make no mistake, this is a beautiful, sad love story. At the end of the novel I thought, what a fitting title. It alternates between the present and the past with each chapter, and while that can be irritating at times in other books, the flow was wonderful here. I will write more about the thoughts I had about the characters and story when it has been out, again... I feel like going into too much depth will give the story away. The characters are well developed and their reactions and behaviors are fitting to the time period. Read it, especially those of us that love T. Greenwood
January 12, 2015
Ce roman est magnifique. Cette histoire d’amour entre ces deux femmes est si belle et pourtant impossible à vivre. J’ai été très touchée par leur histoire, et j’ai ressenti dans ce roman à la fois un grand calme et en même temps une descente aux enfers des personnes qui tentent de s’aimer sans jamais pouvoir le faire librement.
Ma chronique : https://myprettybooks.wordpress.com/2...
Ma chronique : https://myprettybooks.wordpress.com/2...
December 30, 2013
this was an amazing book!! will be adding it to my must read at least once a year list! I loved the way Greenwood interweaved the past and present while telling this love story. Literally could not stop reading this once I started. first time reading this author but it will definitely not be the last time! going to read all previous work now.
March 30, 2014
T. Greenwood has done it once again. This book has everything you could ask for. Makes me want to go to the east coast and rent a cabin by the lake for the summer.
Thanks T. Greenwood for such a wonderful story…..
5 +++++++++++++++
Thanks T. Greenwood for such a wonderful story…..
5 +++++++++++++++
January 17, 2019
This book...I almost DNFed this a couple times. I enjoyed the writing in the beginning, but the more I read, it went from lyricism to purple prose. Too long to get to the point, and I didn't like or appreciate the "twist."
September 21, 2016
4.5 stars
I think I found a new author to follow. T. Greenwood' writing style could be compared to Kristin Hannah and I love it.
This story is about a love affair between 2 women in the early 60's. You don't know that up front but I think it's better to know that fact before you start reading. Both of them are married with families hiding behind the socially and church accepted way of life, all the while hiding their true selves. The build up of suspense in this story is slow and I could tell when I reached the peak of their happiness and I found myself avoiding reading so that I didn't have to experience their pain.
Let me just tell you that the author throws a curve ball at the end... One that I definitely did not see coming.
The writing was brilliant and I look forward to reading more by this author.
I think I found a new author to follow. T. Greenwood' writing style could be compared to Kristin Hannah and I love it.
This story is about a love affair between 2 women in the early 60's. You don't know that up front but I think it's better to know that fact before you start reading. Both of them are married with families hiding behind the socially and church accepted way of life, all the while hiding their true selves. The build up of suspense in this story is slow and I could tell when I reached the peak of their happiness and I found myself avoiding reading so that I didn't have to experience their pain.
Let me just tell you that the author throws a curve ball at the end... One that I definitely did not see coming.
The writing was brilliant and I look forward to reading more by this author.
February 16, 2014
Read novel courtesy of a friend
This is THE book that MUST be read! It is so compelling that you won't be able to put it down. T. Greenwood has written a quintessential novel of the American family with all of the devastation and dreams included.
"Bodies of Water" is essentially the story of two women, their families and their love. I'm not going to say anymore about the plot. I will say that this novel struck such a cord with me that I found myself laughing and crying throughout. Once I started the book, I couldn't put it down until I was finished.
These characters will remain in my thoughts and heart for a long time to come.
This is THE book that MUST be read! It is so compelling that you won't be able to put it down. T. Greenwood has written a quintessential novel of the American family with all of the devastation and dreams included.
"Bodies of Water" is essentially the story of two women, their families and their love. I'm not going to say anymore about the plot. I will say that this novel struck such a cord with me that I found myself laughing and crying throughout. Once I started the book, I couldn't put it down until I was finished.
These characters will remain in my thoughts and heart for a long time to come.
November 27, 2017
I really like this author and all her books, but this is my favorite to date. Billie was such a great character. Her struggle was so well written and I found myself feeling so much for her and wanting her to have her happy ending!
The relationship between she & Eva was so taboo during that time period, and her struggle to find happiness while not being able to have what would really make her happy was heartbreaking.
Compound that with an alcholic husband who really didn't treat her well most of the time.
This author has a fabulous way with words that make you really *feel* what the characters are feeling.
Loved the way the ending played out!
The relationship between she & Eva was so taboo during that time period, and her struggle to find happiness while not being able to have what would really make her happy was heartbreaking.
Compound that with an alcholic husband who really didn't treat her well most of the time.
This author has a fabulous way with words that make you really *feel* what the characters are feeling.
Loved the way the ending played out!
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