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Overlook
Kitty Haskell has everything – a perfect house in a perfect neighborhood, a handsome husband, charming children, and a nasty case of gonorrhea. Rather than dealing with her cheating husband, Kitty worries the exclusive clique of Overlook moms will find out. Unfortunately, The Lookers already know everything, about everyone. Stacia Curran, the queen bee of Overlook, wants to help Kitty but she has problems of her own – falling property values threaten her beloved neighborhood, her children are leaving the nest, and she is losing her grip on The Lookers.
189 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2013
9 people are currently reading
446 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Hein
7 books71 followersElizabeth Hein writes women’s fiction with a bit of an edge. Her novels explore the role of friendship in the lives of adult women and themes of identity. How To Climb The Eiffel Tower follows one young woman as she navigates the world of cancer treatment with the help of her friends. Overlook and Escape Plan chronicle how a small group of women bands together to free themselves from terrible marriages and forge their own paths in life.
When she is not typing away on her own novels, Elizabeth guides new authors on their writing path.
When she is not typing away on her own novels, Elizabeth guides new authors on their writing path.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 28, 2017
*Thank you to the author for giving me a free copy of this book to review.*
Actual Rating: 2.5
The entire pacing of this book was slow, and the writing seemed a little bland. I was a little confused on what the main conflict was, because there had been many, yet the author didn't seem to make any of them significant enough to last an entire novel.
The story begins with Kitty, who finds out that she has gonorrhea - meaning that her husband had slept with someone else with the disease and given to it her.
The STI played a much smaller role than I expected it to - Kitty contracting of gonorrhea seemed simply like a gateway to her finding out about her husband's cheating.
This book reminded me a lot of the Great Gatsby, but modernized. (Kitty would be Daisy, Marni would be Myrtle, and Seth would be Tom) All of the characters seemed extremely flawed, and the community was definitely a social battlefield. The interactions between the characters also felt a little bit flat and bland, and I had to keep reminding myself that these were adults - mature women, not high schoolers.
Kitty's personality is a little iffy to me - she tries so hard to be perfect, and there are moments where she truly believes she succeeds.
This quote came as a shock to me, because when it appeared, I was already 70% done with the story, and I had thought that Kitty would have undergone character development, especially after she punched her cheating husband in the nose.
The interactions between Kitty and Seth were simply annoying. Here is a basic rundown:
1. Kitty confronts Seth about cheating. He is not sorry.
2. Kitty finds out who his mistress was. She punches him.
3. Blah, blah, blah, they talk it out. Seth is an idiot who tries to justify his actions. Kitty requests material items for compensation.
4. Seth complies and continues to buy Kitty objects to make her happy. He kisses up to Kitty.
5. Everything is awkward.
6. Seth: Sorry, I fell in love with someone. Bye.
Uh...okay then.
(And the ending - don't even get me started.)
But fine, Kitty DID grow as a character - allowing her daughter to follow her dreams (despite Seth's objections) was quite possibly the most important change Kitty underwent in her position as a mother.
And so, 2 stars. And I added that little 0.5 for this gem:
Actual Rating: 2.5
The entire pacing of this book was slow, and the writing seemed a little bland. I was a little confused on what the main conflict was, because there had been many, yet the author didn't seem to make any of them significant enough to last an entire novel.
The story begins with Kitty, who finds out that she has gonorrhea - meaning that her husband had slept with someone else with the disease and given to it her.
The STI played a much smaller role than I expected it to - Kitty contracting of gonorrhea seemed simply like a gateway to her finding out about her husband's cheating.
This book reminded me a lot of the Great Gatsby, but modernized. (Kitty would be Daisy, Marni would be Myrtle, and Seth would be Tom) All of the characters seemed extremely flawed, and the community was definitely a social battlefield. The interactions between the characters also felt a little bit flat and bland, and I had to keep reminding myself that these were adults - mature women, not high schoolers.
Kitty's personality is a little iffy to me - she tries so hard to be perfect, and there are moments where she truly believes she succeeds.
"She's not nearly as thin as I am. She's not even pretty, and she couldn't cook a decent meal if her life depended on it."
This quote came as a shock to me, because when it appeared, I was already 70% done with the story, and I had thought that Kitty would have undergone character development, especially after she punched her cheating husband in the nose.
The interactions between Kitty and Seth were simply annoying. Here is a basic rundown:
1. Kitty confronts Seth about cheating. He is not sorry.
2. Kitty finds out who his mistress was. She punches him.
3. Blah, blah, blah, they talk it out. Seth is an idiot who tries to justify his actions. Kitty requests material items for compensation.
4. Seth complies and continues to buy Kitty objects to make her happy. He kisses up to Kitty.
5. Everything is awkward.
6. Seth: Sorry, I fell in love with someone. Bye.
Uh...okay then.
(And the ending - don't even get me started.)
But fine, Kitty DID grow as a character - allowing her daughter to follow her dreams (despite Seth's objections) was quite possibly the most important change Kitty underwent in her position as a mother.
And so, 2 stars. And I added that little 0.5 for this gem:
"Good. Don't let anyone in the house. No one. Start cleaning up the blood. Use lots of bleach. I'll be right there to help you move the body."
"Body? Kitty paused then erupted with laughter. "Rose! I didn't kill him. I just punched him in the nose."
March 30, 2016
Southern Drama with a Bite
Nice debut! I couldn’t help but think of Tom T. Hall’s “Harper Valley PTA,” especially being from the same town it was written about. This hit a little too close to home. Both the song and book were close to the same era, the song released in 1968, and the book based in the seventies. The lakeside town of Magunson, NC, however, was a bit more upscale, boasting a country club, and a host of other amenities in contrast to the rural, back woodsy Harper Valley.
The main theme in both is gossip and its effects. There is the PTA, with its plethora of cupcakes and pastries, baked by mid-life supermoms that exhibit Jane Fonda fitness, all under the rule of Stacia. She doles out responsibilities to whom she deems fit among the upper class wives of Overlook, the three hundred family development she and her husband, Weldon, created. She sees Overlook and the goings on within the lakeside development both as her business and her privileged right.
Besides Harper Valley, think of a mixture of Peyton Place and Desperate Housewives, although, I’ve never actually seen Desperate Housewives. Still there are many back stories, as well as back stabbings going on, all centering on two families, Stacia’s, and Kitty’s. The book opens with Kitty finding out she has contracted gonorrhea from her husband, Seth, who has never been faithful. Their marriage, happening out of an accidental pregnancy, has been a ruse and mere facade from the beginning, as are most of the lives in Overlook, if the gossip, which takes on a life of its own, is to be believed. Like most gossip, though, much is exaggerated. But, like most small towns when push comes to shove and someone is in dire need, blood, in this case neighborhood blood, is thicker than the water of Tate Lake, the lake Overlook is built next to.
The ending, unexpected, comes when Kitty breaks out of her Stepford Wife role, perhaps karmic. As with most karma, a sequel begins to rise, in this case from the depths of Lake Tate.
Nice debut! I couldn’t help but think of Tom T. Hall’s “Harper Valley PTA,” especially being from the same town it was written about. This hit a little too close to home. Both the song and book were close to the same era, the song released in 1968, and the book based in the seventies. The lakeside town of Magunson, NC, however, was a bit more upscale, boasting a country club, and a host of other amenities in contrast to the rural, back woodsy Harper Valley.
The main theme in both is gossip and its effects. There is the PTA, with its plethora of cupcakes and pastries, baked by mid-life supermoms that exhibit Jane Fonda fitness, all under the rule of Stacia. She doles out responsibilities to whom she deems fit among the upper class wives of Overlook, the three hundred family development she and her husband, Weldon, created. She sees Overlook and the goings on within the lakeside development both as her business and her privileged right.
Besides Harper Valley, think of a mixture of Peyton Place and Desperate Housewives, although, I’ve never actually seen Desperate Housewives. Still there are many back stories, as well as back stabbings going on, all centering on two families, Stacia’s, and Kitty’s. The book opens with Kitty finding out she has contracted gonorrhea from her husband, Seth, who has never been faithful. Their marriage, happening out of an accidental pregnancy, has been a ruse and mere facade from the beginning, as are most of the lives in Overlook, if the gossip, which takes on a life of its own, is to be believed. Like most gossip, though, much is exaggerated. But, like most small towns when push comes to shove and someone is in dire need, blood, in this case neighborhood blood, is thicker than the water of Tate Lake, the lake Overlook is built next to.
The ending, unexpected, comes when Kitty breaks out of her Stepford Wife role, perhaps karmic. As with most karma, a sequel begins to rise, in this case from the depths of Lake Tate.
August 5, 2014
Elizabeth Hein’s OVERLOOK is a hilarious debut novel, a cross between Desperate Housewives, Devious Maids, and Mistresses—as the dirty secrets of this southern North Carolina suburban neighborhood are deliciously exposed.
Having recently read an ARC of Hein’s upcoming “How to Climb the Eiffel Tower”, coming Oct 1, 2014 (a must 5 star read, highly recommend), I fell in love with the author’s razor sharp wit, and immediately purchased OVERLOOK.
In the fictitious town of Magnuson, NC in the seventies—Overlook is a lakeside pristine upper end three-hundred home community, a country club setting of swim, tennis, golf, boating with a mixture of families—busy wives and mothers, gossip, nosy maids, homemakers, career women, gardening, clubs, runners, cyclists, swimmers, joggers, young children and teens, cheating husbands, food binges, Lily Pulitzer dresses, Krispy Kreme donuts, fried chicken, bake sales, wine drinkers, cocktails, drugs, PTA, real estate agents, mistresses, and those nearing empty nester status. (The Overlook moms are otherwise known as The Lookers if you are a part of Stacia’s inter-circle).
Of course, behind every southern upper crust family, there is greed, backstabbing, betrayal, jealousy, revenge, infidelity, drugs, cover up, disloyalty, hate, and hypocrisy.
Kitty, age 43, is married to Seth, VP of a Golf company (a marriage out of a pregnancy years ago), basically going through the motions. Mother of two, Bobby and Becky, and a busy homemaker (later in the book a career mom) and a cool sister, Rose.
Seth has never been faithful; however, Kitty has looked the other way, doing her own thing, until she finds herself with STD (gonorrhea). It does not take long for this small community of women to spread the word of this nasty little development. (Loved “hope your pecker falls off” and "it's kinda like screwing a skeleton").
Her friend Stacia Tate, influential Tate family (inter-racial) married to the real estate developer (Curran Construction) for the prestigious community, has a thumb on everything and everyone in Overlook. After all, it was her family who developed this oasis which is now Overlook.
Partners in crime, these two tackle all the challenges of motherhood and their wifely duties, while keeping one step ahead of the gossip. A comic Southern novel about all the important things in life: marriage and divorce, friendship and betrayal, and small-town secrets.
Full of laughs, with true-to-life characters, and hilarious one liners which will keep you laughing out loud as these southern belles find themselves in all sorts of mischief.
Hein reminds me of a cross between sassy Southern writer, Mary Kay Andrews, Susan Rebecca White, Emily Giffin,and sarcastic and witty, Jennifer Weiner.
OVERLOOK is an engaging and scandalous comedy-drama chick-lit, filled with humor and sass, and a juicy sequel ESCAPE PLAN, coming (Fall, 2014), after the surprise and shocking ending.
How far will these women go to protect those she loves? Looking forward to catching up with these savvy southern mysterious and desperate housewives of Overlook.
http://www.judithdcollinsconsulting.c...
Having recently read an ARC of Hein’s upcoming “How to Climb the Eiffel Tower”, coming Oct 1, 2014 (a must 5 star read, highly recommend), I fell in love with the author’s razor sharp wit, and immediately purchased OVERLOOK.
In the fictitious town of Magnuson, NC in the seventies—Overlook is a lakeside pristine upper end three-hundred home community, a country club setting of swim, tennis, golf, boating with a mixture of families—busy wives and mothers, gossip, nosy maids, homemakers, career women, gardening, clubs, runners, cyclists, swimmers, joggers, young children and teens, cheating husbands, food binges, Lily Pulitzer dresses, Krispy Kreme donuts, fried chicken, bake sales, wine drinkers, cocktails, drugs, PTA, real estate agents, mistresses, and those nearing empty nester status. (The Overlook moms are otherwise known as The Lookers if you are a part of Stacia’s inter-circle).
Of course, behind every southern upper crust family, there is greed, backstabbing, betrayal, jealousy, revenge, infidelity, drugs, cover up, disloyalty, hate, and hypocrisy.
Kitty, age 43, is married to Seth, VP of a Golf company (a marriage out of a pregnancy years ago), basically going through the motions. Mother of two, Bobby and Becky, and a busy homemaker (later in the book a career mom) and a cool sister, Rose.
Seth has never been faithful; however, Kitty has looked the other way, doing her own thing, until she finds herself with STD (gonorrhea). It does not take long for this small community of women to spread the word of this nasty little development. (Loved “hope your pecker falls off” and "it's kinda like screwing a skeleton").
Her friend Stacia Tate, influential Tate family (inter-racial) married to the real estate developer (Curran Construction) for the prestigious community, has a thumb on everything and everyone in Overlook. After all, it was her family who developed this oasis which is now Overlook.
Partners in crime, these two tackle all the challenges of motherhood and their wifely duties, while keeping one step ahead of the gossip. A comic Southern novel about all the important things in life: marriage and divorce, friendship and betrayal, and small-town secrets.
Full of laughs, with true-to-life characters, and hilarious one liners which will keep you laughing out loud as these southern belles find themselves in all sorts of mischief.
Hein reminds me of a cross between sassy Southern writer, Mary Kay Andrews, Susan Rebecca White, Emily Giffin,and sarcastic and witty, Jennifer Weiner.
OVERLOOK is an engaging and scandalous comedy-drama chick-lit, filled with humor and sass, and a juicy sequel ESCAPE PLAN, coming (Fall, 2014), after the surprise and shocking ending.
How far will these women go to protect those she loves? Looking forward to catching up with these savvy southern mysterious and desperate housewives of Overlook.
http://www.judithdcollinsconsulting.c...
June 11, 2016
American middle-class society at its worst. At least I hope that’s what’s going on. The community of Overlook is a high-end closed shop, run by Stacia, whose family created the lakeside housing estate that provides homes to the well-to-do of North Carolina.
The reader is thrown in at the deep end and accompanies Kitty as she discovers the details behind a gruesome infection she has contracted from her husband, Seth. It’s fascinating to me how infidelity is dealt with in this book. If the author wants to highlight the lack of high expectations in society marriage, she has succeeded most effectively.
This family saga involves an interesting commentary from Kitty’s teenage children, who seem quite philosophical about their mother’s predicament. The advice they give is practical and takes no prisoners. They see their father for exactly what he is and think Kitty is a fool to put up with him. Kitty, however, is more concerned with playing the trump card. She focuses on weaning herself away from dependence on Seth and, after a rather surprising turn of events, we are invited to find out what happens next in the sequel.
Renee the maid is painted as the Iago of the piece. I wanted more from this character. I felt she had potential. Kitty and Stacia were almost interchangeable for me, as were some of the other women of Overlook.
Having said this, I read the book from start to finish. The prose was fluid, the dialogue slick. It just wasn’t really for me, in the end.
If you enjoy reading about privileged American society, love gossip (who doesn’t?), and have a taste for domestic family drama a la ‘Desperate Housewives’, Overlook is for you.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The reader is thrown in at the deep end and accompanies Kitty as she discovers the details behind a gruesome infection she has contracted from her husband, Seth. It’s fascinating to me how infidelity is dealt with in this book. If the author wants to highlight the lack of high expectations in society marriage, she has succeeded most effectively.
This family saga involves an interesting commentary from Kitty’s teenage children, who seem quite philosophical about their mother’s predicament. The advice they give is practical and takes no prisoners. They see their father for exactly what he is and think Kitty is a fool to put up with him. Kitty, however, is more concerned with playing the trump card. She focuses on weaning herself away from dependence on Seth and, after a rather surprising turn of events, we are invited to find out what happens next in the sequel.
Renee the maid is painted as the Iago of the piece. I wanted more from this character. I felt she had potential. Kitty and Stacia were almost interchangeable for me, as were some of the other women of Overlook.
Having said this, I read the book from start to finish. The prose was fluid, the dialogue slick. It just wasn’t really for me, in the end.
If you enjoy reading about privileged American society, love gossip (who doesn’t?), and have a taste for domestic family drama a la ‘Desperate Housewives’, Overlook is for you.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 30, 2013
In her edgy debut novel, Elizabeth Hein exposes the dark underbelly of suburban life. I enjoyed this well-written exploration into the back-biting, gossip-laiden world of the elite southern neighborhood of Overlook, inhabited by women and men whose secrets are traded as currency. And soon we realize that there are very few secrets in Overlook. The story revolves around two women - Stacia and Kitty. Stacia is the machiavellian and dominant PTA president/queen attempting to control the intimate inner workings of her beloved community, with a varying, and sometimes questionable degree of success. Mild-mannered, intellectual homemaker, Kitty, is slowly waking up to reality of her life; examining her own blind complacency in the context of a bombed out shell of a marriage. Both women grapple with the emotional difficulties that come along with aging children and empty nests while pondering their respective futures and finding a way to go forward with their lives. For better or worse.
June 18, 2013
"We just don't talk about things like that in our family."
No one in Overlook is talking. At least not to each other. Not about anything that matters. In the premiere neighborhood of the area, where surface is what counts, there are things no one talks about directly: infidelity, illnes, infertility, drug use. Now behind each other's backs? That's a different story.
Kitty Haskell is not particularly happy in her idyllic life as a "Looker," but that doesn't mean she was looking for a change. She'd made this bed, and she was going to lie in it. At least that was her plan, until her husband gave her an STD and forced her to examine her life.
I don't want to spoil the novel for you, so I won't tell you what happens. I will tell you that you will be drawn in by Kitty's struggles and friendships. The novel is funny and touching. And wait till you see the ending!
(Full disclosure: I personally know the author)
No one in Overlook is talking. At least not to each other. Not about anything that matters. In the premiere neighborhood of the area, where surface is what counts, there are things no one talks about directly: infidelity, illnes, infertility, drug use. Now behind each other's backs? That's a different story.
Kitty Haskell is not particularly happy in her idyllic life as a "Looker," but that doesn't mean she was looking for a change. She'd made this bed, and she was going to lie in it. At least that was her plan, until her husband gave her an STD and forced her to examine her life.
I don't want to spoil the novel for you, so I won't tell you what happens. I will tell you that you will be drawn in by Kitty's struggles and friendships. The novel is funny and touching. And wait till you see the ending!
(Full disclosure: I personally know the author)
March 1, 2016
I loved Outlook. It reminds me of the style and flavor of Kathryn Stockett’s The Help with its network of community and secrets. The characters come alive and the banter is wonderful. Well written. Great edgy opening. The reader wonders how it plays into the story. The ending was brilliant. I didn’t see it coming. The reader is left wanting more and there is more. Read the sequel Escape Plan to see how Kitty's life panned out.
Kitty and Seth Haskell live in the small community of Outlook. They appear to have all their needs met and the perfect life, that is, until Kitty realizes Seth cheated on her. She got a nasty case of VD. Then to add to her humiliation, the whole community of Outlook already knew. Intertwining of lives, friendships, secrets, affairs, mystery and then there is the crime. Is it a perfect crime?
Kitty and Seth Haskell live in the small community of Outlook. They appear to have all their needs met and the perfect life, that is, until Kitty realizes Seth cheated on her. She got a nasty case of VD. Then to add to her humiliation, the whole community of Outlook already knew. Intertwining of lives, friendships, secrets, affairs, mystery and then there is the crime. Is it a perfect crime?
January 25, 2014
Overlook is a compelling and absorbing read. Hein creates a matriarchal microcosm: a miniature world which has a ruler: Statia who takes care of and manages the lives of rest of the characters. Making sure no-one steps out of line is her business and she has a lot on her hands! Overlook has to be perfect! But underneath the varnish there’s a community full of real women dealing with all the transgressions and tribulations of daily life: infidelity, drugs, disloyalty, jealousy, hate, greed, and hypocrisy. But sensible, perfect Kitty has had enough! After her husband gives her gonorrhea from his latest lover (who is also one of her friends) the discovery of the pointlessness of her marriage will lead to an unexpected and shocking climax and a new beginning for Kitty and her daughter.
July 14, 2014
This book is a fun read. Kitty lives in a perfect town with a perfect house, perfect friends and a perfect husband, until she finds out that her perfect 'friends' aren't and neither is her husband. Matter of fact he's pretty much an a-hat because he .. I shan't tell you because that would spoil it and the way Ms. Hein has put this together shouldn't be disturbed. Luckily, she has the best friend a gal ever had that has her back. This is a good read, a quick read and an entertaining one and a book I recommend heartily not only to read but to give away as gifts. Think next Christmas and birthdays, folks, you'll be glad you did.
June 9, 2013
I couldn't put this book down! The characters were so realistic, and the ending was so satisfying. I liked reading about a community that could be like any you've driven by- quiet and pristine, yet filled with the small dramas of everyday life (some of which are juicier than others!).
May 29, 2016
I was looking for a relaxing, entertaining read while commuting between home and work.
I liked the characters and the book is well written.
I am looking forward to read the next book written by this author.
I liked the characters and the book is well written.
I am looking forward to read the next book written by this author.
June 4, 2018
Loved the book but....the author had trouble with continuity at the beginning. Emails were mentioned. No email in the early 70's.
I was kind of suprised Stacia turned out to be a major friend to Kitty. I expected her to throw Kitty under the bus.
And the "end" of the book? Wow!!
I was kind of suprised Stacia turned out to be a major friend to Kitty. I expected her to throw Kitty under the bus.
And the "end" of the book? Wow!!
October 19, 2020
Enjoyable
This was an interesting take on community homeowners living like a small town. Everybody knows everybody’s business, kids all in sports together. Prerequisite cliques in the neighborhood. Very good story.
This was an interesting take on community homeowners living like a small town. Everybody knows everybody’s business, kids all in sports together. Prerequisite cliques in the neighborhood. Very good story.
December 28, 2020
Please ignore my rating and review. I didn't finish and only managed to read up to 35%.... By this time I already knew I hated it and didn't care what happened to any of the characters. Note to me:- Do not pick it up again!!!
October 2, 2018
Love it!
I like the story of the city of a woman scorned! This is the first of Ms. Hein's books 📚that I've read, but it won't be the last!
I like the story of the city of a woman scorned! This is the first of Ms. Hein's books 📚that I've read, but it won't be the last!
June 29, 2016
When a book centered on suburban parenting and gossip started with a dose of the clap, I said, “I’m in.” I was a little disappointed after that.
As I read on I came to feel I am meant to believe that great parenting is in fact synonymous with ambitious involvement in competitive bake sales, insidious gossip, and one’s level of involvement in children’s athletics—anything to maintain a high profile in the cherished neighborhood of Overlook. While Kitty, the central character, doesn’t necessarily seem on board with this value system altogether, she is at least caught up in it while she copes with the facts of her dispassionate marriage.
The infidelity is a centerpiece to the story, and believable—terribly believable—in that her husband (Seth) was considered less to blame by the community than the other woman. To go further, the real concern wasn’t whether or not he cheated, or would cheat again, but would Kitty “keep” him as the provider in her house? Kitty’s good friend Stacia was all over this topic in her thoughts, and deeds, seeking to undo the other woman (Marni, also a friend of Kitty’s) in any way should could, thereby making her less suitable as a replacement wife.
These were the kinds of assumptions I had a hard time getting myself to accept as a reader. If I do take this world for granted, and submerge myself in the suburban vanity-fest I so rabidly abhor, I must offer the writer compliments in her delivery of the story, which unfolds itself cleverly and with entertaining detail; there are even sometimes hints of the wry voice I would have liked to see solidify regarding the terrain, such as the subtext in this line: “…traffic flows had to be managed so no one could avoid the membership and bake sale tables, and administrators needed to be flattered.” As a teacher of several years, I enjoyed this commentary about administration within school walls quite a bit, though perhaps was reading into it a little. And this is the ambiguity I am stuck with—is there no problem with that? It’s a practical fact, that parents on good terms with the school’s administration will reap benefits—but is there a critique in that, or are we just looking at the rules of survival in such a “nice” neighborhood as Overlook, and making them work for us? Is this not supposed to bother me in the least?
When all is said, what seems important is that I was able to remain interested in Kitty. She thinks she’s putting her children first, anyway, though I was just as often tasting salt in my mouth over her being swept up into this world, and going along with Stacia’s vengeance tactics, to my mind petty and misled. That she is more visceral, underneath, at least as primal as materialistic, after all, is something we learn about her, something I can appreciate, and something to make the book worth finishing for. I received a free copy for an honest review.
As I read on I came to feel I am meant to believe that great parenting is in fact synonymous with ambitious involvement in competitive bake sales, insidious gossip, and one’s level of involvement in children’s athletics—anything to maintain a high profile in the cherished neighborhood of Overlook. While Kitty, the central character, doesn’t necessarily seem on board with this value system altogether, she is at least caught up in it while she copes with the facts of her dispassionate marriage.
The infidelity is a centerpiece to the story, and believable—terribly believable—in that her husband (Seth) was considered less to blame by the community than the other woman. To go further, the real concern wasn’t whether or not he cheated, or would cheat again, but would Kitty “keep” him as the provider in her house? Kitty’s good friend Stacia was all over this topic in her thoughts, and deeds, seeking to undo the other woman (Marni, also a friend of Kitty’s) in any way should could, thereby making her less suitable as a replacement wife.
These were the kinds of assumptions I had a hard time getting myself to accept as a reader. If I do take this world for granted, and submerge myself in the suburban vanity-fest I so rabidly abhor, I must offer the writer compliments in her delivery of the story, which unfolds itself cleverly and with entertaining detail; there are even sometimes hints of the wry voice I would have liked to see solidify regarding the terrain, such as the subtext in this line: “…traffic flows had to be managed so no one could avoid the membership and bake sale tables, and administrators needed to be flattered.” As a teacher of several years, I enjoyed this commentary about administration within school walls quite a bit, though perhaps was reading into it a little. And this is the ambiguity I am stuck with—is there no problem with that? It’s a practical fact, that parents on good terms with the school’s administration will reap benefits—but is there a critique in that, or are we just looking at the rules of survival in such a “nice” neighborhood as Overlook, and making them work for us? Is this not supposed to bother me in the least?
When all is said, what seems important is that I was able to remain interested in Kitty. She thinks she’s putting her children first, anyway, though I was just as often tasting salt in my mouth over her being swept up into this world, and going along with Stacia’s vengeance tactics, to my mind petty and misled. That she is more visceral, underneath, at least as primal as materialistic, after all, is something we learn about her, something I can appreciate, and something to make the book worth finishing for. I received a free copy for an honest review.
May 21, 2016
I was surprised to find that I enjoyed reading this novel about a cosy, upper middle-class, suburban community in North Carolina of the US; together with all of the accompanying gossip, rumour-mongering, competitive cake-making and minor disputes involving children that achieved or failed through sport or academia. The opening few lines were both shocking and compelling, considering the setting and general context of the story as I described previously but, when I thought of past storylines like Peyton Place etc, then I grew to look forward to more incident and neighbourly intrigue. Kitty, the main character, seems to go along with things in order to maintain a reasonably quiet, if at times tedious, domestic life – notwithstanding her duties within the PTA, attending fund-raising events and acting as taxi driver and supporter for her children’s sporting activities. Meanwhile Seth, her spouse, seems to breeze in and out of the family’s life, due to his money-making ability selling golf equipment. When she discovers her husband’s various extra-marital affairs are about to seriously impact upon her own health and probable social standing within the local community, then her bitter and growing resentment looks like it needs to explode.
This is a community that is tightly controlled by Stacia, Kitty’s friend and arch spinner of schemes – schemes that will not allow scandal to spoil the efficient cosiness and smoothly running affairs that appear on the surface of Overlook-land. Elizabeth Hein has written a wonderful tale full of believable characters with real conversations and situations I found just as frustratingly compelling as the book’s beginning. I thought the relationship between Kitty and her sister, Rose, very realistic, combining love, loyalty and sibling rivalry to a beautifully accurate degree! Even though I kept telling myself that this was “not my kind of book” I had to know what happened to Kitty and Seth. When I read to the end and found out I was just as shocked as at the start, although I found the actual incident slightly incredible. As a British reader I found far too many references to various products by their brand names rather than a familiar generic term, making the book feel like a TV-soap with too much product placement. This is a novel to be enjoyed by those that like to read family mini-sagas with a definite edge. I was given a copy of the book in return for an honest review.
This is a community that is tightly controlled by Stacia, Kitty’s friend and arch spinner of schemes – schemes that will not allow scandal to spoil the efficient cosiness and smoothly running affairs that appear on the surface of Overlook-land. Elizabeth Hein has written a wonderful tale full of believable characters with real conversations and situations I found just as frustratingly compelling as the book’s beginning. I thought the relationship between Kitty and her sister, Rose, very realistic, combining love, loyalty and sibling rivalry to a beautifully accurate degree! Even though I kept telling myself that this was “not my kind of book” I had to know what happened to Kitty and Seth. When I read to the end and found out I was just as shocked as at the start, although I found the actual incident slightly incredible. As a British reader I found far too many references to various products by their brand names rather than a familiar generic term, making the book feel like a TV-soap with too much product placement. This is a novel to be enjoyed by those that like to read family mini-sagas with a definite edge. I was given a copy of the book in return for an honest review.
May 21, 2016
This book is set in a small town in the South in the 70s where everyone knows everyone else's business and is quick to share what they know. Kitty is married to Seth and they have two children. She is one of the leaders in Overlook, a small group of upscale homes in a lake and wants to be in the know about everyone while she is hiding secrets of her own -- Seth has been unfaithful and has given her an STD. Her best friend Stacia, is the real leader and her goal is to make sure that she protects her community from harm. The two women together tackle the problems of motherhood and family issues. This book has everything - a little sex, a bit of intrigue, family issues, some laughs and a whole lot of gossip. Most important of all, it shows the importance of friendship between women and how friendship keeps them all from going crazy! Fun read!
July 17, 2015
In `Overlook,' the reader gets a voyeuristic glimpse into the world of suburban, upper-income housewives, whose cliques and hierarchies will make you glad you're not part of their clan. Or worse, have fallen out of their clan, because woe to the woman who wrongs them.
But although the novel could lend itself to clichéd and stereotyped characters, the author does a great job of giving the women depth, and we get to see their true natures, natures they have hidden even from themselves, because they're so caught up in maintaining the perfect appearance.
The novel has a low-grade simmering of suspense in that the author planted just enough foreshadowing that I knew something unexpected was going to happen; I just didn't know what. And I was not disappointed.
But although the novel could lend itself to clichéd and stereotyped characters, the author does a great job of giving the women depth, and we get to see their true natures, natures they have hidden even from themselves, because they're so caught up in maintaining the perfect appearance.
The novel has a low-grade simmering of suspense in that the author planted just enough foreshadowing that I knew something unexpected was going to happen; I just didn't know what. And I was not disappointed.
June 6, 2016
Who would have thought a book dealing with murder, cancer, infidelity, alcoholism, and domestic abuse could be a delightful read? Somehow, Elizabeth Hein has managed to pull off the impossible in this completely surprising and deliciously wicked novel. Although the subject matter is dark and the treatment of it seems almost cavalier, there is a solemn, dignified undercurrent that is neither dark nor droll. It is the message that love, loyalty, and kindness can make even the worst situations bearable. Love and grace in the hands of friends willing to extend themselves farther than they ever thought they could for one another can turn the worst of situations into joyousness. Brava, Elizabeth Hein!
June 12, 2013
This book started off a little slow (just the first chapter - I found it a little confusing in terms of timing), but by the second chapter I was hooked! Engrossing characters, many of whom I want to know more about, and interesting action with some twists (especially the surprise ending!). The publisher description led me to expect stereotypes and a sort of chick lit fluffiness; that was not the case. The characters were complex and the story lines were unpredictable. I was sorry to see the book end! I hope we will see more from the inhabitants of Overlook in the future!
June 28, 2018
Overall an enjoyable read. A bit like watching a light-hearted movie.
Stacia's sense of keeping Overlook as an 'ideal' town with nothing bad happening, or if it does - keep it hidden or throw it out.
I am not sure if it is important to keep referring to race - to me the book didn't read any differently.
As a British person I don't understand the terms for food that are maybe specific to US or North Carolina. There should have been a vocabulary for the non US reader.
Stacia's sense of keeping Overlook as an 'ideal' town with nothing bad happening, or if it does - keep it hidden or throw it out.
I am not sure if it is important to keep referring to race - to me the book didn't read any differently.
As a British person I don't understand the terms for food that are maybe specific to US or North Carolina. There should have been a vocabulary for the non US reader.
September 1, 2013
I received this book through Goodreads first reads and really enjoyed the characters and the storyline. I embraced the characters quickly as they reminded me a lot of my own life and the friendships that I've created amongst my neighbors and friends. I love that these women had each others back when it counted but the snarky side of women sisters really came out as well! It was a good read!
June 16, 2013
I liked it for the most part. The Kindle edition has format problems and at one point one character is called by the wrong name. I assume there's going to be more based on the ending of the book. If there's not, then the end is just stupid and disappointing.
April 6, 2016
I really enjoyed this story and watching Kitty grow as a person. This book takes place in 1976. I was 14 then. It's funny to see how different some things were and how they are the same as they are now.
I wonder if the lake in the story is really Lake Norman??
I wonder if the lake in the story is really Lake Norman??
August 19, 2013
Very different ending. Dragged on a bit, but still read it in a day. I'm sure there will be another book.
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