The Conditions of Love

by Dale M. Kushner

Dale M. Kushner's novel The Conditions of Love traces the journey of a girl from childhood to adulthood as she reckons with her parents' abandonment, her need to break from society's limitations, and her overwhelming desire for spiritual and erotic love. In 1953, ten-year-old Eunice lives in the backwaters of Wisconsin with her outrageously narcissistic mother, a manicureeste and movie star worshipper. Abandoned by her father as an infant, Eunice worries that she will become a misfit like her mother. When her mother's lover, the devoted Sam, moves in, Eunice imagines her life will finally become normal. But her hope dissolves when Sam gets kicked out, and she is again alone with her mother. A freak storm sends Eunice away from all things familiar. Rescued by the shaman-like Rose, Eunice's odyssey continues with a stay in a hermit's shack and ends with a passionate love affair with an older man. Through her capacity to redefine herself, reject bitterness and keep her heart open, she survives and flourishes. In this, she is both ordinary and heroic. At once fable and realistic story, The Conditions of Love is a book about emotional and physical survival. Through sheer force of will, Eunice saves herself from a doomed life.



This engaging examination of a mother and daughter's relationship will appeal to the same audience that embraced Mona Simpson's acclaimed classic Anywhere But Here and Elizabeth Strout's bestselling Amy and Isabelle.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Coming Of Age, Historical, Book Club, Adult

384 pages, Hardcover

First published May 2, 2013

About the author

Dale M. Kushner grew up in New Jersey and moved to the Midwest to study at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She is a recipient of a Wisconsin Arts Board Grant in the Literary Arts and has been honored by a fellowship to the Wurlitzer Foundation, The Ragdale Foundation, and the Fetzer Institute as a participant of their first Writers’ Conference on Compassion and Forgiveness. Her work has been widely published in literary journals including IMAGE, Poetry, Prairie Schooner, Salmagundi, Witness, Fifth Wednesday and elsewhere. Her most recent poetry collection More Alive Than Lions Roaring was a finalist for the May Swenson Poetry Award at Utah State Press and The Prairie Schooner Book Competition. In 2010 she was nominated for a Pushcart Prize. Ms. Kushner has studied at the C. G. Jung Institute in Zurich and has an ongoing interest in Buddhism and spiritual life. She lives with her husband in Madison, Wisconsin. The Conditions of Love is her first novel.

Reviews

[Red Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kushner's debut novel (hard to believe it is her first) is a memorable masterpiece. When I finished reading it, I did not want to write a Goodreads review, I wanted to re-read it. My first read was fast, as I was totally engrossed in the characters and the plot. I could not wait to see how this unstoppable and engaging heroine would experience the unfolding of her not so conventional life. But the second read was slower, in order to savor the beautiful and moving language, that has been described as poetry disguised as prose. The language is masterful. The characters are unique, in some cases quirky, but representative of the array of humans on this planet Earth. I heard the author speak at a reading in Woodstock, NY, which was an event I will long remember. Kushner is interested in why some people may be crushed by adverse circumstances, and others thrive. She feels the answer lies in the opening of one's heart to love, in all its complex and mysterious forms. This is one of the messages in this tour de force. Read it. You will love it. You will not be disappointed.

[L. A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in three distinct sections, The Conditions of Love is a must read for anyone who wishes to experience a whole new way to look at various stages of love. Through lead character Eunice, readers are introduced to Mern, her eccentric mother, Rose, a mysterious shaman-like woman of the woods, and Fox, a man who presents Eunice with passionate challenges.
Set in the 1950s in a rural setting, the universal highs and lows of love shine through as the reader resonates with Eunice's experiences throughout her adventures. Author Kushner's poetic use of language makes you realize that as you read this story-as Eunice's journey unfolds-the reading experience is sheer joy. Once I started reading, I cancelled everything for the afternoon as I could not put the book down. Eunice's life is a compelling emotional roller coaster that will make every reader question their own experiences of love. This is a must read for anyone who enjoys good, solid old fashioned no-nonsense storytelling. This is a nutritional read on every level. I can't wait to discuss The Conditions of Love with my fellow readers. This will be a "recommended read" many times over.
-An editorial reader

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Conditions of Love, by Dale M. Kushner is one of those "I cant go on to another book yet, the characters and story are still dancing in my head" kind of book.

The story line is so unique, the characters come to life each with their own upbringing history as the writing spins this tale of CONDITIONS OF LOVE. Dale M. Kushner's writing is so descriptive and flows smoothly throughout this book.

The main character is Eunice, a child who grew up living with her mother Mern a selfish mom needing attention and very eccentric. Frankie her birth father pops in and out of Eunice's life, always leaving her behind. Then there is Rose, a woman of the wild who loves everything about nature and has a savy sense of life and love. Fox enters Eunice's life and Eunice begins to unscramble "love" as a child and what love really is to her. All of these characters show love in their own way, sometimes and mostly always very touching and emotional.

I loved this book in every way. This one is a keeper for me to read again and maybe again. There was is so much feeling in this book that a second read is definitely needed.

I gave Conditions of Love 5 stars because it deserved it - for story line, characters and the wonderful flow of the story. Fantastic!

[John Rastey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is stellar, and it is probably the best novel I have read in many years. I read it through in one sitting, because I could not put it down. If you want a book with unforgettable characters you will care about deeply, painted in living color with language that is spot-on perfect, and a page turning plot, The Conditions of Love is the book for you. Though described as a coming of age novel, it is deeper and richer than that descriptor implies. It portrays all the layered complexities of the different forms that love encompasses—love of the natural world, the love of a mentor, the often perverse and twisted love of family, and love of the lover. It shows how keeping love paramount, one can survive the bleakness that life can throw at one. Move this book to the top of your to-read list. You will not be disappointed.

[Kasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story about love and loss and the gift of finding yourself in the world with the help of fellow kindred spirits. Eunice' and Rose's story was simply incredible, the trust you build with these characters and the care for them really made this book pull on the heartstrings. I feared for the joy they brought each other the better the story got, one caring for the other and giving them skills and nurturing, and it made everything more precious in case it was lost.

A beautiful book that will stay with you for many years to come, I cannot wait to read it again and experience all the feelings all over.

[Burku · Rating 5 out of 5]

The language is breathtakingly beautiful, and the words are still reverberating in my memory. I am sometimes astonished at how some writers can create dialogue that is so psychologically perfect on every line, has a melody and charm of its own, and fit them into a plot that keeps the reader wanting to keep turning the page. I was sorry to come to the end of the stunning book. I wanted to live with these characters and Kushner's elegant prose far beyond the last page. This is a debut novel; I am already awaiting the encore

[Beret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give it 10 stars if I could. Long time that I cried while reading a book.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. It is an incredible experience reading a fine novel penned by a gifted poet...lush and yummy. The superb writing felt like a feast - with the added bonus that I never got too full; I got to read and re-read exquisitely descriptive lines like "Her hair was sleep-pasted against the back of her head; something womanly in her was going unused." Thank you for the sumptuous banquet, Dale Kushner!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a "book hangover" book. I was so hung up in this book I couldn't move on.........read, and reread.

[Annette (booknerderie) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come. But until then....wow. Let me process the enormity of all I've read. This is one helluva journey. What a wonderful debut novel!!!

*Thank you Netgalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review*

The first thing that drew me to this book was the hand-lettering on the cover, it's so fluid and lovely. Then you have the parakeet perched on a home that's underwater, which leaves you wondering, "WHAT IN THE HECK IS THIS BOOK ABOUT!?" I'll tell you what it's about, it's about the many, varying conditions of love. I know, so original but true nonetheless.

In this novel we meet Eunice, a bright child with a sweet disposition living with her mother, Mern, who is pretty much on track for being the most self-centered mom on the planet. It's rather sad situation. Over the course of three parts, we experience the indescribable journey that is Eunice's life. From father's abandonment {again!}, her mother's failed relationship, a move to a new town, natural disasters, feral friends, and a questionable relationship with an older man... that isn't without drama.

I tried not to include too many spoilers as I believe a review should be a skimming of the deets without giving everything away. So I apologize if I've said too much. I really liked this book. Kushner's writing is so lyrical and I was drawn in immediately. I loved young Eunice and her outlook on life. She felt so real to me. As she got older, she kind of got on my nerves but again, she was a teenager and let's face it! Teenagers can B annoying. The only thing I didn't like was the way the very ending was set up. I felt that I could've done without it. But, whatevs. All in all, this was a brilliant debut novel! Well done, Dale!

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book through a giveaway on goodreads. It's a beautiful coming-of-age story about a girl and her experiences with love. It isn't simply romantic love, there are 3 distinct types of love in which the book reveals to you. It's beautifully written (and quite heartbreaking, too!)

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Conditions of Love is a coming of age story about Eunice, a different girl, whom was always an outsider. The story is divided into three parts,and three types of love, her childhood with her mother Mern and a wonderful elderly neighbor, Mr. Tabachnik. Eunice navigated through her childhood with a great deal of love and ability to find happiness in unusual places. The second part of the book is about how she was rescued from a flood in northern Wisconsin and raised for summer by Rose, an herbalist and nature lover that lived alone in a cabin in the woods. Rose gives Eunice a nurturing love. The third part of the book is about Eunice discovering love at the age of 17 with a reclusive farmer, Fox, that was old enough to be her father. I found it creepy and disturbing because it seemed that Fox was taking advantage of her and their relationship might not be appropriate. The story progressed and it becomes apparent that Eunice is mature enough to make her own choices. I liked Eunice because she was kind to people despite her rather unorthodox life and she was able to make friends and grow as a person. I look forward to hearing the Author, Dale Kushner speak at the May Book Club Cafe in Madison.

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Conditions of Love is a masterpiece. I loved the writer's voice, the tone, the details, the poetry. I fell in love with the characters in all their eccentricities and mortal behaviors. Dale Kushner creates such deep, layered worlds in all three sections. I inhaled this book, reading it over three days. I love how the story is full of unique textures and nuance and grace. All I ever really want from art is to be changed by it, somehow. The Conditions of Love fulfilled the desire for my inner plates to shift and for my spirit to be lifted and inspired.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Original ideas, beautifully written. Recommended to me by a fellow reader on Goodreads. I read it with the idea of reading it with my 12 year old, but this is NOT an appropriate book for a junior high school student. The experiences of the teenager are a little farfetched and a little beyond the age of the main character.

[BurtonJay · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely astonishing book.

[Delta · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautifully written book. Kushner manages to create a story that starts slow, swells into a captivating conflict, and then slowly return to a lower energy. It actually feels like riding a wave as you start to read a bit faster, hold your breath a bit longer, and then breathe a long sigh of relief. Some of the topics are difficult to read (both for their emotional impact and their slightly gory nature) but everything felt so genuine, as if this was an actual memoir. The only issue I had with it was the sudden time jump right at the end which felt like it left a huge chunk of the story out.

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**

[Colleen Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me because I loved "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter", and the protagonist of this book, Eunice, is also a coming-of-age girl, much like Mick is in Carson McCullers' book. It was another one of those books where I kept looking at how far I'd read, dreading coming to the end of the book because I was loving it so much, but not being able to help myself from reading because I wanted to know what happened next.

For her entire life, the girl, Eunice, grew up in environments in which she seemed to be mostly sheltered from all other people except her primary care-giver, First it was her "Merm", then Rose, and finally with Fox. Although other people played small "bit parts", her life during these three major phases revolved around a single person. Except for a brief period in which she had a foster family, her life mostly excluded others except those care-givers. And through each phase, Eunice was faced with having to compete for the love she received, and the competition was with someone who was no longer around - someone who had been romanticized and built up in the care-giver's mind. There were always conditions for getting the love and approval that Eunice craved - although the love that Eunice gave was pure, non-conditional love.

I fell in love with the characters in this book, even those who weren't very loveable. Eunice was raised by her mother, "Merm", who never really grew up herself. Her mother was as needy - or perhaps even more so - than Eunice was, always seeking love from one man or another - and none of them "good" men. Like many young girls who grow up with no father in their lives, Eunice developed a fantasy of who her father was. And when her father stepped into her life - for only a day - it broke my heart how she romanticized this no-good-poor-excuse-for-a-man. And despite the fact that he broke her heart, Eunice loved this man forever.

Another character I fell in love with was Eunice's next care-taker, Rose, a woman who essentially saved Eunice's life after a storm. She lived by herself out in the woods, growing her own food, keeping hives for honey. She was a mystic, of sorts, understanding natural remedies, and very attuned to nature. The part of the book when Eunice lived with her was enchanting - I didn't want it to end. Although there was no sexual relationship between the two women, there was certainly a sensual one. I could well imagine the two women living together until the end of their days, joyous in their meager surroundings, finding exquisite joy in the everyday.

This dream-like existence was harshly interrupted - and Eunice's life took a hard turn. Although, for the most part, well-intentioned, her new foster family worked to remold Eunice into something she wasn't. And frankly, Eunice really didn't fit very well into any traditional mold. I thought the author fell a little short in this portion of the book. There was significant turmoil going on in Eunice's life - with her mother essentially abandoning her and moving to California with a man; with her new "family" showing extreme prejudice towards the younger daughter; with Rose's health obviously declining - and all of these events taken together would have had a profound impact on the emotions of a young teen-aged woman. And they did - but just not to the extent that I think they should / would have. I don't don't think the book was very strong in this section.

In the final part of the book, Eunice moves in with Fox, the first man she ever had any "heart-flutterings" about. Although it was clear that Fox was in love with Eunice, there was another "love" in his past that he had never really come to grips with. Her life with Fox was similar, in many ways, to her life with Rose; together they worked a farm, living essentially off the land. The author was very sensitive when describing Eunice's sexual awakenings and first experiences, and captured the innocence and ignorance of this part of Eunice's life. We saw, by the end of the book, Eunice develop into a young woman who knew her own mind, who knew what she wanted out of life, and who loved the people in her life unconditionally.

I thought the author did a better job with her female characters than her male ones - and was excellent in understanding and describing the thoughts and emotions of a young lady. I could have spend an entire book reading about her time with Rose - that section of the book was the best written, in my opinion. I liked how she ended the book with Eunice still being a young lady - and put an Epilog in describing her later years. She didn't try to tell too much of the story - only covering the coming-of-age portion of Eunice's life.

All in all, I highly recommend this book, especially to folks who enjoy a young lady protagonist like is in "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter".

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm very glad to have won this book from a Goodreads.com giveaway. It's not the normal type of book that I would have picked up but I was intrigued by the blurb on its page. I'm very thankful that I entered. Once I began to delve into the world of Eunice, I didn't want to come out until I had reached the very last page in order to know everything that I could.

The life of Eunice is broken into three parts or the three acts of love. Each one shows both us, the reader, and Eunice the perils and joy that love can bring in its many forms. From silly, childish love of her parents and those around her to the pitfalls of adolescent attraction, Eunice has to gauge everything in the scope of what she knows. That in and of itself is very little thanks to her mother who is caught up in her own wants and needs while often daydreaming of finding someone to swoop in and make everything better with the snap of his fingers. Somehow, Eunice seems to find some sort of strength within her to make peace with everything and do what needs to be done for those who have given her the most of what she sought - love.

To say that I got lost within some of these characters would be an understatement. The author chose to set the book within a time when the world was on the brink of extraordinary change and I do believe it works well within the story. I don't believe the story would have been quite as believable if it were set in more recent history. The world was very much a different place in the late 1950s/early 1960s. People were much different then, as well, and the story reflects that difference with beauty and respect.

Many times I forgot that Eunice was still a young adult because she had been thrown into situations where she had to grow up fast to deal with what was happening around her. She still had her moments of childish behavior but by and large, she was a woman before she needed to be. I think that's a large portion of why the character has stuck with me after reading. Each of the characters come with their own backgrounds, secrets and quirks that add to the atmosphere of the story.

I had no trouble at all the pacing of the story. It was quick enough to keep me engaged in what was going on while slow enough to allow me to absorb the surroundings and the consequences of what happened to the characters. In the end, I would have never have guessed that this was the author's first novel. It is very well written. If you're looking for a good book to cool up to and get lost within, this is definitely the one you need to pick up!

[Anne Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most unusual and gripping books I have read in some time. It's title might lead you to believe that it's in the chick lit category, but nothing could be further from the truth. Kushner's prose is so beautiful, it's not surprising to learn she is a poet.

It's the story of Eunice that begins in the 1950's. She is a young child living with her wacko mother in the first third of this book. A memorable neighbor names Mr. Tabachnick and her absent father also figure prominently, as does her mother's boyfriend, Sam Podesta. And the turtle! Oh my! A horrific storm and flood separate Eunice from her mother and she is rescued by Rose in the second portion. Rose is a true nature woman who lives off the land and cares for injured animals She has an enormous effect on the young Eunice who learns about beekeeping and how to split logs, in addition to being loved and cared for by Rose.

In the third part of the book, Eunice is taken away from Rose. She escapes from her foster family to live with an older man called Fox. Is she attracted to him because of the love she felt for the injured fox Rose rescued? Some horrific action takes place in this section. All the characters are fully realized and wonderfully believable. Perhaps the most rewarding part is the final portion set in the present where you find out what happens to everyone in Eunice's past.

[Richard Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Coaster's 3/'57 hit "Searchin", writers Jerry Lieber and Mike Stoller pursue the singer's determination to find his true love, wherever she may be - and even if he must resort to detective work. The song's particular gimmick was its reference to law-enforcement types from 50's pop culture, notably Sherlock Holmes, Charlie Chan, Joe Friday, Sam Spade, Boston Blackie, Bulldog Drummond - even the Northwest Mounted Police!

Whether this figured in the inspiration for Dale Kushner's debut novel is unclear; but Boston Blackie does make a brief appearance. And while lead singer Billy Guy's raw and insistent vocals ("You know I'll bring her in someday") evoked a particular kind of love, Dale explores a larger thematic canvas, not the least of which involves abandonment, perseverance, forgiveness and what (to love) when we cross certain lines that alter us forever.

That the author transforms a coming-of-age tale from the 50's into a memoir / fable of rapture and despair is impressive. That she does so on her first try, moving gracefully from poetry to prose, is - like the early work of the Coasters - something that lingers and leaves even the casual fan wanting more.

[Tobias Strichten · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect book that has it all. Kushner delivers to the reader the most unforgettable characters since Auntie Mame and Holden Caufield. You love them, laugh at and with them, and ache for their tribulations. The author's skill as a poet is evident. The canvas is large and beautifully drawn, and the language is picture-perfect. The plot carries you along at a non-stop page turning pace, such that I could not put the book down until I finished in one sitting. The book is about love, in all its crazy, mixed up, and wonderful manifestations. It is the transformative power of all the "conditions of love" that allow the hero, Eunice, to survive and thrive. She has stolen my heart, as she will yours. This should be the next book you read. You will not be disappointed. Five stars from me.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

My takeaway: Eunice gets the misfortunes of life over with in her youth, making her resilient, smart and prepared to seek and appreciate the gifts of love and good luck that find her as an adult. For true love to find you, one must be open, creating the right attitudes and "conditions" and her journey allows every reader to believe in that possibility.
My time and recommendations are well worth this excellent indulgence in deep, rewarding fiction reading.

[Marla · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I thought I wasn't going to like this book but as I got further along in the book I really enjoyed it. There was so many different adventures and emotions in this book that it was hard for me to put it down.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodreads giveaway I loved this book!

[Amanda Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my all time favorites

[Karielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt an enormous sadness shoot through my chest, and my eyes burned with tears. It frightened me how much I loved him; I wanted to call him back from wherever he was going, but in a rush of knowledge I realized my daddy was a tricky, dangerous man, and I could never trust his love.

I'm torn over how I feel about this book; on one hand, it indeed is a beautiful portrait of how love manifests in the life of Eunice, but on the other, it moves so lethargically, that oftentimes I found myself zoning out, and even skimming towards the end because I just wanted to be finished. You have to have a lot of patience to appreciate a book like The Conditions of Love.

Because the book is split up into three distinct sections that trace the different types of love Eunice experiences in each one, it was like reading three separate stories, all fluidly interconnected.

The first part, in which Eunice comes to terms with accepting being abandoned by her highly glorified father, reads historically. It will definitely induce nostalgia for children of the fifties, and for any younger generations, it will feel like reading about your own grandmother's childhood—a deeply troubled childhood at that, but nonetheless lushly told. It's a solid introduction to our protagonist, and it moves with stunning detail and clarity.

The second part is languid, almost mystical, and drags on as time does throughout the novel. I love how Kushner paces Eunice's teenage years—in which she learns to love a mother figure of a stranger—to mimic how unhurriedly her own life passes at this sage.

The third part definitely has its exciting, wholly erotic moments, but honestly it was the wordiest for me. I pretty much lost interest in Eunice's keen, but unnecessarily lengthy, observations on everything, and began to skim this section, which is probably why some of the story might be lost on me.

This is hardly a devastating critique, however. Overall, I was highly impressed with Kushner's vivid flourish to a theatrically set, poignant first novel.

Pros
Gorgeously written // Eunice is well versed and lovable // Emotionally turbulent // Strongly personified characters

Cons
Very dense and slow moving (but never boring)

Love

Sam took my hand and looked into my eyes. "Life's a crap shoot, baby. All I know is that the past will kill you if you let it."
This was the way things were. Sam would never stop feeling sad about [his late brother] and I would never stop feeling sad about not having a daddy. You went on missing a person the rest of your life.

Verdict
Dazzlingly detailed, remarkably poised, and wise to its perceptive core, Dale M. Kushner's debut novel is a fictional young woman's autobiographical account of love's grandest entrances and most devastating exits throughout her life. While I was not a huge fan of how slowly the book moved, especially towards the end, I will never forget Eunice's heartbreaks, nor the striking cast of characters. A fascinating following of an ordinary girl's maturation and its extraordinary moments, The Conditions of Love strongly creates a sense of longing for a woman you've only met through paper.

Rating: 7 out of 10 hearts (4 stars): Not perfect, but overall enjoyable; borrow, don't buy!

Source: Complimentary copy provided by tour publicist via publisher in exchange for an honest and unbiased review (thank you, TLC and Hachette!).

[Holly Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Conditions of Love is Dale M. Kushner’s first novel, but you would never know it by the way she writes. The way she describes her characters, her style and often profound little snippets of wisdom hidden throughout the story all make her a very unusual author – probably one of the most talented writers I have ever had the privilege to read.

Right from the beginning, I was drawn into The Conditions of Love by its unusual cover. The cover may look like random things tied together – a flood and a pet parakeet, but these are actually both very relevant to the story within. It is also worth noting that the style of the cover was artful and well done, something that seems rare in most of today’s books.

The story covers three separate sections that tie together fluidly, and each one gives a unique insight into the relationships of a girl named Eunice.

The first section is set in the 1950′s, and gives a perspective of Eunice from the time she is a little girl. The story is centered around Eunice’s eccentric, unlikable mother, and the relationship that they have with each other. Along the way it is impossible to feel anything but heartbreak for this lonely, lost little girl. In many ways, Eunice is more of an adult than her mother, and her independence eventually takes her away from her unpredictable life with her mom and washes her into an enchanting life with a woman named Rose.

The second section finds Eunice as a teenager living in the woods with Rose. It is here that she transitions from child into woman, and she learns that she is a person of value, one to be treasured and appreciated. This was my favorite section because Rose is an incredibly likeable character with a story that is completely unique and heartbreaking in itself. Eunice learns from Rose how to be a beekeeper, how to rescue lost animals, and how to work hard and love deeply. In many ways, Rose is the mother that Eunice never had – the mother she always deserved. But just like a flood that washes lives away, Eunice’s life with Rose eventually is taken away as well, and she finds herself in foster care.

The last section of the book focuses on Eunice from the time she is a teenager until she is an adult. Eunice learns very quickly that love comes in many forms – from a childhood pet turtle to a flawed mother, from a hippie in the woods to a beautiful older man. It is here that Eunice falls in love for the first and last time, and the story follows her throughout her life while tying in characters from her past.

I could not find a single flaw with this book. The characters are all completely unforgettable, but even more importantly, Kushner’s poetic, beautiful talent with words sets this book apart from any other that I have read. This is absolutely a book that I will come back to read again and again. The love of a mother, the love of a father figure, the love of a pet, the love of a friend, and the love of romance — all of these concepts are so beautiful and intricate, and each variation of love takes an ordinary life and makes it nothing short of extraordinary.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remarkable story of love, loss, and LIFE It is difficult to review Dale M. Kushner's The Conditions of Love without resorting to gushing hyperbole. This book is a staggering work of genius. It is the story of Eunice, from her childhood in Wild Pea, IL to her old age on a farm with her husband, Mr. Fox. That is the story. Abandoned by her father and raised by a lackluster mother, Eunice is swept away by a flood as a young teenager, rescued by a Rose, a mysterious woman with whom she lived for a few years until she is put into foster care with a decent family. While working in the family soda fountain, Eunice is mesmerized by a laconic, handsome stranger named Fox. And that is when things really get interesting. And that's what you will have to find out for yourself.
 
Eunice is a metaphor for anyone who has been abandoned and spends their life craving love, being disappointed over and over again, and finally finding a love worth sticking with. The people she meets on her journey are often mysterious, mystical people, and they are also people with deep wounds and flaws. Tossed around and abandoned early in life, then abandoning her own mother as she tries to save both their lives in the flood, Eunice knows only the loss associated with loving. When she meets Fox, she discovers that love IS abandonment, but it is also commitment, tolerance, understanding, and plain hard work. Fox is a tight-lipped fellow with secrets and stories that torment him, and Eunice is tormented by his mercurial nature and the secrets that she thinks stand in the way of a real relationship, but her life has taught her how to bend and sway in the wind without breaking.
 
The book is much, much more than this short story summary. This is a breathtaking first novel of staggering brilliance, significance, and importance. Laden with beautiful, striking imagery and poetic language, The Conditions of Love is a book about love. The title is a multiple entendre: we desire unconditional love, but that never happens; all relationships have conditions attached to them; and at times, being in love or experiencing unrequited love can make one ill - as though love itself were a condition. Ms. Kushner, a poet, writes prose as though it were poetry. This is a long, complicated story without an extraneous word. Every line builds on the last line, every action has a reaction, every encounter is both straightforward and complicated. Every single character, including Eunice's turtle, Eunice Turtle, is an Everyman or Everywoman. I know that I was breathing as I read this book, but i felt as though I had taken one big inhale and the beginning and then held my breath until the very last word. Eunice's life journey is the journey many of us take without knowing it, or recognizing that we are on a journey.
 
Layered with nuance, sadness and wit, The Conditions of Love is an experience. Ms. Kushner is a magnificent writer. Don't miss it.
 
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for a review.

[Diane D · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Conditions of Love, is a wonderful coming of age story which takes place in the 1950-60’s. The story begins in the little town of Wild Pea, Illinois, where young, Eunice lives with her self-centered, unpredictable, star-struck mother. Mern is a woman with her head in clouds, and obvious to the reader early on -- she’s just not “mother material”. Eunice must never call her mother “mom”, just Mern is acceptable. For Eunice life is lonely. She has few friends and although she has met her father, he took off before she ever got a chance to know him. Eunice learns at an early age that love and the people you love, can slip away without warning.

With little stability in Eunice’s life, Mern adds even more uncertainty to the mix by moving them to a new town in Wisconsin. Soon after they settle there a flood devastates their lives separating mother and daughter. While Mern heads off to California without really looking for her daughter, Eunice is found and is taken in by a kind but somewhat odd woman named Rose.
Rose is a woman who lives off the grid in a rundown cabin that lacks even basic electricity. Rose cares about Eunice and she nurtures her love of nature, and shares with her the wisdom of her years. For Eunice, however, her search for love and stability does not end when Rose comes to her rescue, there are a few more hurdles she must face, yet her resilience in difficult times keeps her strong.
Most every significant event in this novel came alive on the page as I read. It stirred a lot of emotion in me. It was easy for me to root for Eunice given all she had been through. I could relate to her love of animals and the unconditional love she felt being surrounded by them, whether it be a fox, a sheep, a turtle or a more domestic animal like a parakeet or dog. She wasn’t sure which humans she could trust or who would abandon her if she got too close.

The Conditions of Love is a terrific literary novel that left a big impression.The novel was so well written that the story never felt depressing despite the numerous disappointments Eunice faced along the way to adulthood. The characters had depth and were intriguing, and I liked the fact that there were two male characters who genuinely cared about Eunice -- Mr. Tabachnik, a neighbor, and Sam, one of her mother’s short-termed boyfriends. There is no fast-paced action with this story, yet it was a story that held my interest throughout, Eunice is the star through and through. I enjoyed watching her mature from a young child to a young woman over a period of about 9 years. Readers who enjoy coming of age stories with substance will enjoy the debut

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is Ms. Kushner's first novel and she has won awards for her poetry.
This book has a lot of five star reviews but I'm going with three- it was just too detailed and slow for me.
I think the author wants us all to feel grounded in something bigger than ourselves and there is a lot of spiritual meanderings and musings in the writing and in the events that take place with the main character Eunice.
The book is meant to show three various stages of love - one of parental bonds, one of friends, one of romantic love. This is accurate, but written in a unique way and stresses unexpected relationships. The middle section of friendship did not speak to me. Rose and Eunice created an extremely lonely profile.
We start off with Eunice as a young girl with an estranged father and a mother incapable of being a needed, adult role-model. People come in and out of her life- actually Eunice is quite lucky in that regard but untimately this character is all alone in this world.
Eunice's next friendship adventure is with another adult woman which is somewhat brief - and for me a slower part of the book, despite the important developments that come out of it.
The last part of the book has Eunice with another adult, well-beyond her years - a self-chosen lover.
There simply isn't much of a child to be found in Eunice.
For those of you who love books full of nature, and descriptions of flowers hanging with dew, screeching owls, damp shoes and howling wind - if you love spirits embedded in stories and connections outside of our material realm - then you'll love this book.
With the exceptions of the last few pages, the reader is listening to Eunice from around age 10 to around age 21. It was too much first person conversation for me - I just couldn't relate to Eunice, nor her choices.