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20th Century #1
Decades
Three Women. Three Decades.
Spanning the years from the optimistic post-War 1940s to the Mad Men 1950s and rebellious “Make Love, Not War” 1960s, Decades is about three generations of women who must confront the radical changes and upended expectations presented by the turbulent decades in which they lived.
Evelyn, talented but insecure, faithful to the traditional values she grew up with, is a loyal and loving wife and mother whose marriage and family mean everything to her.
Nick, handsome and ambitious, a chameleon who changes with the changing times, is her successful but restless husband.
Joy, their daughter, coming of age at a time of anger and rebellion, needs them both but is torn between them.
Barbara is the other woman. Younger than Evelyn, accomplished but alone, she wonders if she can have everything--including another woman's husband.
But can she? Is she willing to pay the price? And how will Evelyn handle her rebellious daughter, her straying husband and the threat to her identity?
DECADES, sweeping in scope yet intimate in detail, is the emotional, compelling story of family, marriage, crisis, betrayal and healing.
DECADES was originally published in hard cover by Simon & Schuster.
Spanning the years from the optimistic post-War 1940s to the Mad Men 1950s and rebellious “Make Love, Not War” 1960s, Decades is about three generations of women who must confront the radical changes and upended expectations presented by the turbulent decades in which they lived.
Evelyn, talented but insecure, faithful to the traditional values she grew up with, is a loyal and loving wife and mother whose marriage and family mean everything to her.
Nick, handsome and ambitious, a chameleon who changes with the changing times, is her successful but restless husband.
Joy, their daughter, coming of age at a time of anger and rebellion, needs them both but is torn between them.
Barbara is the other woman. Younger than Evelyn, accomplished but alone, she wonders if she can have everything--including another woman's husband.
But can she? Is she willing to pay the price? And how will Evelyn handle her rebellious daughter, her straying husband and the threat to her identity?
DECADES, sweeping in scope yet intimate in detail, is the emotional, compelling story of family, marriage, crisis, betrayal and healing.
DECADES was originally published in hard cover by Simon & Schuster.
Unknown Binding
First published September 23, 1974
188 people are currently reading
834 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Harris
23 books36 followersRuth Harris is a New York Times and Amazon bestselling author and a Romantic Times award winner for “best contemporary.” Ruth’s emotional, entertaining fiction has topped Amazon’s Movers and Shakers list and her highly praised novels have sold millions of copies in hard cover, paperback and ebook editions, been translated into 19 languages, sold in 30 countries, and were prominent selections of leading book clubs including the Literary Guild and the Book Of The Month Club. In their e-book editions, Ruth's novels have been featured on Ereader News Today, Pixel of Ink and Kindle Nation Daily.
Ruth writes about strong, savvy, smart and witty women who struggle to succeed and, when sometimes they don’t get what they want, they find something even better along the way. Critics have compared Ruth to Nora Ephron and Joan Didion and called her books "brilliant," “steamy,” "stylishly written," ”richly plotted,” “first-class entertainment” and “a sure thing.”
With her husband, Michael, Ruth indulges her wild side and writes bestselling thrillers with vivid characters, international backgrounds and compelling plots. Their thrillers have made numerous appearances in the top 3 of Kindle’s prestigious Movers & Shakers list; in the Top 100 in the Kindle Store; Hooked has appeared continually on three Medical bestseller lists since its publication; #1 and #2 on two different Political bestseller lists; #14 on the Thrillers bestseller list.
Publisher’s Weekly called Ruth's and Michael's thrillers "Slick and sexy [with] all the sure elements of a big seller written by pros who know how to tell a story.” Readers have raved, calling their books “awesome,” “gripping,” “chilling,” “a must-read,” and “a real page-turner.”
It's no surprise Ruth is a writer. Her Mom was an RN who had a trove of big-city hospital stories—some funny, some sad, some touching—and told them with great style. Her Dad loved words, word play and language (Ruth still has his collection of dictionaries) and he is remembered by those who knew him as "always reading." Ruth's paternal grandfather was noted for his extensive library and both her parents were avid readers: her Mom loved popular fiction and her Dad bought four or five newspapers every day and subscribed to what seemed to be every magazine published—from Life and Look to BusinessWeek and Organic Gardening.
As a girl, Ruth wanted to be a professional ice skater. In her teens, she wanted to be a lawyer—a summer job in a law office cured her! After college, she got a beginner's job in publishing and her career path—first as an editor and then as a writer—was set.
Ruth writes about strong, savvy, smart and witty women who struggle to succeed and, when sometimes they don’t get what they want, they find something even better along the way. Critics have compared Ruth to Nora Ephron and Joan Didion and called her books "brilliant," “steamy,” "stylishly written," ”richly plotted,” “first-class entertainment” and “a sure thing.”
With her husband, Michael, Ruth indulges her wild side and writes bestselling thrillers with vivid characters, international backgrounds and compelling plots. Their thrillers have made numerous appearances in the top 3 of Kindle’s prestigious Movers & Shakers list; in the Top 100 in the Kindle Store; Hooked has appeared continually on three Medical bestseller lists since its publication; #1 and #2 on two different Political bestseller lists; #14 on the Thrillers bestseller list.
Publisher’s Weekly called Ruth's and Michael's thrillers "Slick and sexy [with] all the sure elements of a big seller written by pros who know how to tell a story.” Readers have raved, calling their books “awesome,” “gripping,” “chilling,” “a must-read,” and “a real page-turner.”
It's no surprise Ruth is a writer. Her Mom was an RN who had a trove of big-city hospital stories—some funny, some sad, some touching—and told them with great style. Her Dad loved words, word play and language (Ruth still has his collection of dictionaries) and he is remembered by those who knew him as "always reading." Ruth's paternal grandfather was noted for his extensive library and both her parents were avid readers: her Mom loved popular fiction and her Dad bought four or five newspapers every day and subscribed to what seemed to be every magazine published—from Life and Look to BusinessWeek and Organic Gardening.
As a girl, Ruth wanted to be a professional ice skater. In her teens, she wanted to be a lawyer—a summer job in a law office cured her! After college, she got a beginner's job in publishing and her career path—first as an editor and then as a writer—was set.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
May 15, 2011
Originally published in 1974 by Simon and Schuster, Decades gives you a glimpse into the romantic lives of three women in another time. Nat Baum has three important women embroidered into his life: Evelyn; his wife, Barbara; his lover, and Joy; his daughter. Decades covers their stories–of a woman (Evelyn) who loves her husband despite his shortcomings; Barbara, a divorcee who finally finds her equal and fights to claim him even though he’s married to someone else; and Joy (Nat’s and Evelyn’s daughter), who is very close to her indulgent father while having a strained relationships with her more conservative mother.
In this novel there is no harsh judgment of right and wrong. No one emerged to me as the hero. Each character had faults and the path to right and wrong wasn’t always clearly illuminated. Nat was a complex character, deeply faulted, and ultimately very self-indulgent, but haven’t we all known people like that and loved some of them anyway? Nat also struck me as a bit of a chameleon–the women in his life were all very different but he easily won over all of them.
The writing style itself was extremely engaging. Ruth Harris has a clear voice that shines through the pages. From reading the parts of the book from the three different women’s perspectives, I expected it all to be tied back together in a neat little package at the end, but there was no fairytale ending–just like in real life. This is a novel that will stay with you after you’ve finished reading it–the sign of a great book!
In this novel there is no harsh judgment of right and wrong. No one emerged to me as the hero. Each character had faults and the path to right and wrong wasn’t always clearly illuminated. Nat was a complex character, deeply faulted, and ultimately very self-indulgent, but haven’t we all known people like that and loved some of them anyway? Nat also struck me as a bit of a chameleon–the women in his life were all very different but he easily won over all of them.
The writing style itself was extremely engaging. Ruth Harris has a clear voice that shines through the pages. From reading the parts of the book from the three different women’s perspectives, I expected it all to be tied back together in a neat little package at the end, but there was no fairytale ending–just like in real life. This is a novel that will stay with you after you’ve finished reading it–the sign of a great book!
August 5, 2013
Nothing except to say that it is still highly relevant and an extraordinary testimonial to the harrowing role model changes women went through after World War II - the baby boomer era! Three decades, each crucial in its own way, calling in the next with the usual give-and-take, push-and-pull, destroy-and-rebuild that characterizes all human relationships. For this is a fast-paced novel full of suspense! Because for a woman to move to the next role model as the forties folded into the fifties, sixties and ultimately seventies, didn't come without pain and doubt. Each major female character in this book impersonates one of the typical role models: the good wife of the 40s and 50s, the liberated and ambitious professional career woman of the 60s and 70s, and the young daughter who is poised between the two, suffers from an over-permissive education (that too was typical of the times!)and is uncertain about which way to go, what role model to follow. Because the novel ends on a question mark making you want to read the next book in the series.
This is a highly polished novel, the work of a master wordsmith and it comes as no surprise that it should be considered a "classic". It is the work of an author who is a typical baby boomer, self-questioning, highly observant, and therefore able to deliver a full panoramic overview of those transformative times, as women moved from submission to their husbands to full liberation as equals. And losing some pieces on the way as Ruth Harris does not fail to note.
Just to be clear on one aspect since the author is a baby boomer herself. This cannot be considered a Boomer Lit novel as such though it does portray the travails of boomer generation women as they approach adulthood, marry, divorce and start a career of their own. Thus, like many Boomer Lit novels, it does investigatge inter-generational relationships and issues. But it does not deal with what is central to Boomer Lit: how do you handle the so-called "third act in life". Instead, this book has at least one of the main characters focused on her own coming-of-age issues (the daughter, a young adult)and none of the other characters, though they are mature, are really dealing with "third act in life" issues. They are still in their forties/fifties, deeply involved in their "second act", trying to complete what they have started (or not managing to do it, as the case may be, one of the characters indeed does face a tragic ending).
But this book proves one thing: that authors who were born in the boomer generation are able to express, perhaps like none other, the peculiar and unique aspects of what it meant to live through the mid-20th century upheavals of a society hit by rising expectations from people climbing out of their minority status, whether due to race, gender or sexual inclination. Ruth Harris will not disappoint. I highly recommend this book.
This is a highly polished novel, the work of a master wordsmith and it comes as no surprise that it should be considered a "classic". It is the work of an author who is a typical baby boomer, self-questioning, highly observant, and therefore able to deliver a full panoramic overview of those transformative times, as women moved from submission to their husbands to full liberation as equals. And losing some pieces on the way as Ruth Harris does not fail to note.
Just to be clear on one aspect since the author is a baby boomer herself. This cannot be considered a Boomer Lit novel as such though it does portray the travails of boomer generation women as they approach adulthood, marry, divorce and start a career of their own. Thus, like many Boomer Lit novels, it does investigatge inter-generational relationships and issues. But it does not deal with what is central to Boomer Lit: how do you handle the so-called "third act in life". Instead, this book has at least one of the main characters focused on her own coming-of-age issues (the daughter, a young adult)and none of the other characters, though they are mature, are really dealing with "third act in life" issues. They are still in their forties/fifties, deeply involved in their "second act", trying to complete what they have started (or not managing to do it, as the case may be, one of the characters indeed does face a tragic ending).
But this book proves one thing: that authors who were born in the boomer generation are able to express, perhaps like none other, the peculiar and unique aspects of what it meant to live through the mid-20th century upheavals of a society hit by rising expectations from people climbing out of their minority status, whether due to race, gender or sexual inclination. Ruth Harris will not disappoint. I highly recommend this book.
December 28, 2011
This engaging Novel explores the lives of three very different women who evolved in three very distinct eras. The glue that binds these women together is Nat, husband to Evelyn, Father to Joy and Lover to Barbara. These three women find themselves joined by their connection to Nat. Each woman deals with their conflicting needs and the moral values they grew up with. Their struggles lead to a stunning clash that will leave each one of them struggling with their own beliefs and judgments.
Barbara was married in the 50's and became the mother of two children. Her marriage was very traditional in the sense that she was expected to be devoted to her husband her children and her home. Barbara felt that there was something more she needed to be fulfilled. She ends up divorced from a husband whose top priority is work. She strives to become a single mother and a force in the workplace. She struggles with relationships and trust issues until she meets Nat and becomes his mistress.
Evelyn is a classic product of the 40's and is married and extremely devoted to Nat. Her goal is to please him and make him and their home as comfortable as possible. They have a daughter and their differences in how to raise a child are a point of contention. Evelyn suffers from issues that were not talked about openly at that time and cause her to wrestle with her feelings and feel very isolated.
Joy is the daughter of Evelyn and Nat born in the 60's. She is very rebellious and her mother has a hard time dealing with her. Her father encourages her manipulative and outrageous behavior and also her hatred of her mother. Joy finds herself trying to deal with the permissiveness of her generation and searches for a way to find a life of happiness and satisfaction.
This book clearly interprets the role Women played, or were expected to play, during these turbulent times. The challenges and struggles that women faced in the past were considered taboo subjects and therefore the support and encouragement they needed was minimal at best.
Ruth Harris presents a style or writing that will connect you to each character and feel the emotions and struggles that they face. The story is fascinating and you will find yourself contemplating the characters in this book well after the last page is read. I recommend this book to all readers who wish to be engrossed in a story that has the power to transport you to the lives and expectations of women past and present.
Barbara was married in the 50's and became the mother of two children. Her marriage was very traditional in the sense that she was expected to be devoted to her husband her children and her home. Barbara felt that there was something more she needed to be fulfilled. She ends up divorced from a husband whose top priority is work. She strives to become a single mother and a force in the workplace. She struggles with relationships and trust issues until she meets Nat and becomes his mistress.
Evelyn is a classic product of the 40's and is married and extremely devoted to Nat. Her goal is to please him and make him and their home as comfortable as possible. They have a daughter and their differences in how to raise a child are a point of contention. Evelyn suffers from issues that were not talked about openly at that time and cause her to wrestle with her feelings and feel very isolated.
Joy is the daughter of Evelyn and Nat born in the 60's. She is very rebellious and her mother has a hard time dealing with her. Her father encourages her manipulative and outrageous behavior and also her hatred of her mother. Joy finds herself trying to deal with the permissiveness of her generation and searches for a way to find a life of happiness and satisfaction.
This book clearly interprets the role Women played, or were expected to play, during these turbulent times. The challenges and struggles that women faced in the past were considered taboo subjects and therefore the support and encouragement they needed was minimal at best.
Ruth Harris presents a style or writing that will connect you to each character and feel the emotions and struggles that they face. The story is fascinating and you will find yourself contemplating the characters in this book well after the last page is read. I recommend this book to all readers who wish to be engrossed in a story that has the power to transport you to the lives and expectations of women past and present.
September 27, 2025
Excellent writing. Three women, three decades, no story.
October 17, 2015
Businessman Nick Bains thinks he has it all. A loving wife, a mistress, and a daughter he’s increasingly close to. A phone call from his mistress to his wife, however, triggers a change in all four lives. Set from the 1940’s to the 70’s, Decades is a story about love, relationships and change not only for the main characters but in the world. Divided into four parts, the protagonist in Part I is the mistress, Barbara. Part II features the wife Evelyn, and Part III features Nick and Evelyn’s daughter, Joy.
The novel’s strength is in showing us the characters’ struggles to adapt to an environment with rapidly changing values and roles. The author presents an interesting dichotomy in that the women are the ones who struggle at first, but with women’s liberation and more choices, Nick is the one who begins to struggle.
The writing style and tone is a throwback to earlier times, which isn’t surprising given that this isn’t a recently written novel about that period in time but one that was actually written in the 70’s. Despite the tumultuous times and conflicts, the book lacks an edge. It’s also difficult to feel sympathy for Nick who thinks that affairs are okay and that a man can go after whatever he wants at someone else’s expense. Hardly the stuff of heroes. I had hoped for more from this book, but it merely reminds me how sexist and constrained most of the 20th century was, and still is in some ways.
The novel’s strength is in showing us the characters’ struggles to adapt to an environment with rapidly changing values and roles. The author presents an interesting dichotomy in that the women are the ones who struggle at first, but with women’s liberation and more choices, Nick is the one who begins to struggle.
The writing style and tone is a throwback to earlier times, which isn’t surprising given that this isn’t a recently written novel about that period in time but one that was actually written in the 70’s. Despite the tumultuous times and conflicts, the book lacks an edge. It’s also difficult to feel sympathy for Nick who thinks that affairs are okay and that a man can go after whatever he wants at someone else’s expense. Hardly the stuff of heroes. I had hoped for more from this book, but it merely reminds me how sexist and constrained most of the 20th century was, and still is in some ways.
April 6, 2016
Not a heck of alot. It was a pretty predictable story--beginning in the 40's right after war, through the 70's. Follows a family through the generations. It was a quick read, but I looked forward to the next chapter. A light easy read that gave me a sense of what is was like living through the decades. I saw my mother and myself in this book--not the lifestyle but the generational conflict between post-war parents and post-Beatles teens.
January 7, 2021
I enjoyed this book. I like the way the author weaves in important historical events that are current during the various time periods covered in the novel. The writing is engaging and the characters well developed and complex. The three female characters, each from a different generation, represent each of those generations in an interesting way. I especially liked reading about time periods that I remember and a period that my parents experienced. I recommend this book. It is a fun, interesting and quick read.
January 2, 2017
The writing style of Ruth Harris, in this novel, reminds me of "Valley of the Dolls" : clear, direct and episodic. But, alas, that's about it. I guess I'm not a chick-lit reader.
As we go through the events of each era, starting with post WWI, we are also introduced to various voices. The one I understand the most was Barbara. She, from the 50s to the 60s, represents what happened to woman and their daring attachment to their careers. She works as a successful peripheral artist to the glamorous world of the stars, yet her husband does not take her seriously, even when her salary sky rockets. Her family and in-laws aren't too supportive either. For example, she offers her salary to pay for the children's nanny.
Between the 50s and 60s, I think, women found their independence and were not afraid to leave the home to pursue their dreams and careers. As a man, of course, it took me a long time to ingest this turn of social mores, and accept all the women who, eventually, surrounded me in my previous all guy business word. Now. as an older man, I see no positive results of two parents away from home: some children semem half crazed, and half starved on fast food dinners, little eyes seem slaves of violent video games, with too much idle time, and with no Donna Reed nor Father Knows Best at home to guide them (just my opinion!) Actually, I feel Jacqueline Sussan's view of society's crossroads was handled more creatively, and with more passion, than this gallop through history. I kept saying to myself: "yes, I know. Yes I know."
As we go through the events of each era, starting with post WWI, we are also introduced to various voices. The one I understand the most was Barbara. She, from the 50s to the 60s, represents what happened to woman and their daring attachment to their careers. She works as a successful peripheral artist to the glamorous world of the stars, yet her husband does not take her seriously, even when her salary sky rockets. Her family and in-laws aren't too supportive either. For example, she offers her salary to pay for the children's nanny.
Between the 50s and 60s, I think, women found their independence and were not afraid to leave the home to pursue their dreams and careers. As a man, of course, it took me a long time to ingest this turn of social mores, and accept all the women who, eventually, surrounded me in my previous all guy business word. Now. as an older man, I see no positive results of two parents away from home: some children semem half crazed, and half starved on fast food dinners, little eyes seem slaves of violent video games, with too much idle time, and with no Donna Reed nor Father Knows Best at home to guide them (just my opinion!) Actually, I feel Jacqueline Sussan's view of society's crossroads was handled more creatively, and with more passion, than this gallop through history. I kept saying to myself: "yes, I know. Yes I know."
April 18, 2018
This book was interesting in the way each part of the book was about one of three women who all had Nick Bain in common. Evelyn his wife; Barbara his mistress; and Joy his daughter. The three women were the central characters, but their lives were wound around his and in the 40s, 50s, 60s & 70s, women were trying to find their own power in relationships. Nick married Evelyn because her family had money and he grew up poor. After 20 some years of marriage, they grew apart and he started affairs that he didn’t hide too well. And, as Joy grew up, she learned it was her mother, not her father who had the strength of the two. I like the way the author brought it all around in the end. 8 Stars (4.7 to 4.17.18)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2012
Vintage soapy fabulosity! This is one of those books that I remember my mother having on her bookshelf when I was a child. There were lots of period references (published in 1974 & the story spans the 40s through the early 70s) that I didn't get (like names of popular shops, things that were on television & accidents or cases that took place at the time) but that didn't keep me from thoroughly enjoying this. It was very easy to connect to the characters & just fall into the flow of the story. I believed every character & the tragic nature of the lives they led. I plan on reading the rest in this series.
January 2, 2015
Ugh... this book was a terd but it held my attention, so I had to give it another star. I didn't realize it at the time, but this book was written in the 1970's. There are a TON of pop culture references from the 40's, 50's, 60's, and 70's that didn't make any sense to me but I enjoyed learning a bit more about different eras. So it sounds like I liked it so why was it a terd? This book is like a precursor to all those terrible Danielle Steele novels from the 80's. But this was a perfect book to mindless read while on the train, but be ready to roll your eyes at all the corny sex scenes.
November 19, 2015
Loved everything about the book from the cover to the last page . I could not put it down ....
A very well written look at the lives of three women , all from different decades, and the man that connects them . Spot on with the events of the time periods and super character development - Ruth Harris hit the mark with this one !
September 18, 2016
This a very enjoyable read and very relevant to women today. It captures your attention from the beginning and leaves you wanting more. As a reader, you are immersed in the characters' world and experience the different time periods through their points of view. The ending, however, is abrupt and doesn't tie everything together.
July 14, 2015
Decades had a good story line following three women who came from different decades. In the end, 1970ies, the three collided. Mother, daughter and husband's lover. Good summer read. I really enjoyed reading about the history from post WWII to 1972.
December 24, 2014
Ugh. Most of the book is about selfish, unlikeable characters who sleep around.
August 15, 2015
I've only just begun part two, but the main male character in my eBook version is named Nick Bain, not Nat(e) Baum. curious.
November 25, 2015
I liked it but a really abrupt ending, felt like it wasn't finished
May 16, 2016
Enjoyable read
Enjoyable read but slightly disappointing ending. Would definitely recommend it as a book worth reading and female readers will not be disappointed.
Enjoyable read but slightly disappointing ending. Would definitely recommend it as a book worth reading and female readers will not be disappointed.
July 17, 2020
I literally read it in 24 hours. It started as a challenge with a friend but I really liked it
February 9, 2022
This book is much older than I realized when I purchased my digital version in the Apple Books store. The release date says 2014, but it appears to have been written in the mid-70’s. That isn’t a bad thing at all, however I needed to adjust my expectations and understanding to something written 45 years ago.
“Decades” tells the story of story of three women born in different decades (1920’s, 1930’s, 1950’s). The plot line of this book is focused on people being the product of their generation. Author is definitely making the “Nurture” case in “Nature vs Nurture.”
I enjoyed the author’s attention to history across the character decades - much of the events were well known, but the author threw in some references that I needed to look up, and that was truly enjoyable.
I’m going to read the next book in this series; according to the book notes, the series is actually composed of five individual, standalone books. So I’m not certain how this qualifies as a series, but I’ll see if the story about the 80’s is as interesting as this book was.
“Decades” tells the story of story of three women born in different decades (1920’s, 1930’s, 1950’s). The plot line of this book is focused on people being the product of their generation. Author is definitely making the “Nurture” case in “Nature vs Nurture.”
I enjoyed the author’s attention to history across the character decades - much of the events were well known, but the author threw in some references that I needed to look up, and that was truly enjoyable.
I’m going to read the next book in this series; according to the book notes, the series is actually composed of five individual, standalone books. So I’m not certain how this qualifies as a series, but I’ll see if the story about the 80’s is as interesting as this book was.
May 29, 2020
Decades (Pack Avenue Series, Book #1)
Two family growing up in the 50s, 60s and 70s. The first part is about Barbara and her family. Barbara go from a young woman to a wide than to the other woman. Next part is about Evelyn other woman of the 50s. Than the story of her daughter, Joy. The first few chapters are boarding but the book pick up after that.
Two family growing up in the 50s, 60s and 70s. The first part is about Barbara and her family. Barbara go from a young woman to a wide than to the other woman. Next part is about Evelyn other woman of the 50s. Than the story of her daughter, Joy. The first few chapters are boarding but the book pick up after that.
February 22, 2023
"Historical Women's Fiction", this is my first "women's" book and without a doubt the last. Depressing, boring - this should have been one of the few books I didn't waste my time finishing!!
I feel so badly, not because I finished the book, but because it left me horribly depressed.
I feel so badly, not because I finished the book, but because it left me horribly depressed.
April 7, 2023
Story of the lives of 3 women and how they intersect, with one man in common. Highlights history, how generations evolved over the span of 30 years, focusing mainly on how the woman changed. Great story.
Seeing now that it was first published in 1974, more of the writing makes sense.
Seeing now that it was first published in 1974, more of the writing makes sense.
September 12, 2018
I wanted to strangle the passive protagonist well before the end of the book. Please read if you enjoy women who choose to be victims of their own bad choices.
March 30, 2023
I read this in 1977 and noted it was excellent.
May 30, 2023
This is one of those multi-decade sagas that goes down super easy. It's the story of three women -- Barbara is the "other woman" threatening Evelyn's marriage and Joy is Evelyn's daughter. They're all different ages and show various perspectives on the 2nd half of the 2oth century. Barbara and Evelyn are the most fleshed out characters and their sections have the most depth. All the events here are cliche, but it's written with emotional insight.
February 15, 2017
Boring, flat characters. The book reads like a bunch of fact assembled into a story. You can read one or two sentences per page and not miss any of the story.
June 22, 2015
I'm giving 4 stars because this book was well written and well thought out and researched, but it just didn't "grab" me. I was confused from almost the first few paragraphs and I will say this is partly the fault of Kindle v. actual book. A lot of times when reading I will go back and read certain parts, etc., and I'm sure I would have been more with the program had I done so this time. But it started off and then went back years and years, and then midway changed to someone else's story (although they overlapped) starting long ago also, then the story changed to the story of the 2nd storyteller's daughter. And, although some pieces were picked up in each segment, at the end there was no real completion. As I said, it was thought provoking and interesting and a lot of history went into it, but I just couldn't really remember where the story started. But I have one question, was the Orange Bowl ever played by professional teams? That may just have been an unfortunate error and meant to be the Super Bowl.
But many people may really love this kind of book. And it wasn't BAD, just not my particular cup of tea.
But many people may really love this kind of book. And it wasn't BAD, just not my particular cup of tea.
September 12, 2016
Many things were very familiar about this book. The New York setting and the generational changes were so accurately described but it really isn't a happy look at those times.
March 16, 2015
In the 40's, 50's and 60's women were trying to find themselves in a society that strictly defined them as wives, mothers, secretaries, typists and fiancees. College was were girls went to meet future husbands under the watchful eyes of housemothers.
Decades looks at three women who are linked through one man, Evelyn his wife, Barbara his mistress and Joy his daughter. Nate is one of those men who is charming but not likeable. He's a self-centered pig, who doesn't really care about the women in his life just how they compliment him.
Don't mistake me none of the women are very likeable either, Evelyn is neurotic and unstable, Barbara is so driven to succeed she leaves her kids with her mother and moves to NY to work and Joy is a typical spoiled baby boomer who wanders through life spending her parent's money.
Some how these ugly people make a great story.
Decades looks at three women who are linked through one man, Evelyn his wife, Barbara his mistress and Joy his daughter. Nate is one of those men who is charming but not likeable. He's a self-centered pig, who doesn't really care about the women in his life just how they compliment him.
Don't mistake me none of the women are very likeable either, Evelyn is neurotic and unstable, Barbara is so driven to succeed she leaves her kids with her mother and moves to NY to work and Joy is a typical spoiled baby boomer who wanders through life spending her parent's money.
Some how these ugly people make a great story.
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