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The Last Original Wife
Experience the sultry Southern atmosphere of Atlanta and the magic of the Carolina Lowcountry in this funny and poignant tale of one audacious woman's quest to find the love she deserves
Leslie Anne Greene Carter is The Last Original Wife among her husband Wesley's wildly successful Atlanta social set. But if losing her friends to tanned and toned young Barbie brides isn't painful enough, a series of setbacks shake Les's world and push her to the edge. She's had enough of playing the good wife to a husband who thinks he's doing her a favor by keeping her around. She's going to take some time for herself—in the familiar comforts and stunning beauty of Charleston, her beloved hometown. And she's going to reclaim the carefree girl who spent lazy summers with her first love on Sullivans Island. Daring to listen to her inner voice, she will realize what she wants . . . and find the life of which she's always dreamed.
The Last Original Wife is an intoxicating tale of family, friendship, self-discovery, and love that is as salty as a Lowcountry breeze and as invigorating as a dip in Carolina waters on a sizzling summer day.
Leslie Anne Greene Carter is The Last Original Wife among her husband Wesley's wildly successful Atlanta social set. But if losing her friends to tanned and toned young Barbie brides isn't painful enough, a series of setbacks shake Les's world and push her to the edge. She's had enough of playing the good wife to a husband who thinks he's doing her a favor by keeping her around. She's going to take some time for herself—in the familiar comforts and stunning beauty of Charleston, her beloved hometown. And she's going to reclaim the carefree girl who spent lazy summers with her first love on Sullivans Island. Daring to listen to her inner voice, she will realize what she wants . . . and find the life of which she's always dreamed.
The Last Original Wife is an intoxicating tale of family, friendship, self-discovery, and love that is as salty as a Lowcountry breeze and as invigorating as a dip in Carolina waters on a sizzling summer day.
352 pages, Paperback
First published June 11, 2013
1752 people are currently reading
11066 people want to read
About the author
Dorothea Benton Frank
64 books5,209 followersDorothea Benton Frank was a New York Times best-selling American novelist of Southern fiction. She worked in the apparel industry from 1972 until 1985 and then organized fundraisers as a volunteer, before becoming a novelist.
She is best known as the author of twenty novels placed in and around the Lowcountry of South Carolina.
She is best known as the author of twenty novels placed in and around the Lowcountry of South Carolina.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,231 reviews
June 22, 2013
Number 1 - the math in this book is off. If Leslie dropped out of college to get married because she was pregnant, and is almost 60, then her oldest child would be in his late 30's. I kept thinking DO THE MATH! Her two children are in their mid to late 20s, so either Leslie is pushing 50 or the kids are middle-aged losers.
Number 2 - I didn't LIKE Leslie. She says "I'm smart and funny and I deserve happiness". But she has been IMHO just a Lady Who Lunches. Oh poor baby, she drives a car WITH NO GPS! She only has a housekeeper ONCE A MONTH. She has to CLIP COUPONS. She doesn't have diamond stud earrings! The horror! The horror! What has she done with her life? What has she created or contributed? Nothing that I can see. She cooks and cleans and gardens.
Number 3 - I know this is Chick Lit, and happy endings are expected, but ugh.
Number 2 - I didn't LIKE Leslie. She says "I'm smart and funny and I deserve happiness". But she has been IMHO just a Lady Who Lunches. Oh poor baby, she drives a car WITH NO GPS! She only has a housekeeper ONCE A MONTH. She has to CLIP COUPONS. She doesn't have diamond stud earrings! The horror! The horror! What has she done with her life? What has she created or contributed? Nothing that I can see. She cooks and cleans and gardens.
Number 3 - I know this is Chick Lit, and happy endings are expected, but ugh.
July 5, 2013
So. Advertised as a perfect beach book, LOW has potential, but then the writing style begins to make itself known: constant, trite, unvarying obviousness. Take this excerpt:
"We would toast each other with champagne and feast on oysters and roasted guinea fowl in the private room at Magnolias and cut a small cake with a bride and groom on its top and make small talk throughout the afternoon while my mind traveled the years. When I thought about the individual births of my children, my chest would swell with joy, and for the moment it seemed that they were on the right track. I hoped so with all my heart because I loved them so dearly. They, along with Holly, were my greatest treasures."
This reads like something a 15 year old might write to describe a second wedding of a wealthy woman, and we'd encourage her to be more original. "Readers want something unique, something new," we'd say. Well, Dorothea Benton Frank doesn't give that to her readers, and, judging by the reviews, the readers don't mind. But I do! I'd love to read what Jennifer Weiner would do with this plot. A very disappointing, predictable, trite novel. America, raise your standards.
"We would toast each other with champagne and feast on oysters and roasted guinea fowl in the private room at Magnolias and cut a small cake with a bride and groom on its top and make small talk throughout the afternoon while my mind traveled the years. When I thought about the individual births of my children, my chest would swell with joy, and for the moment it seemed that they were on the right track. I hoped so with all my heart because I loved them so dearly. They, along with Holly, were my greatest treasures."
This reads like something a 15 year old might write to describe a second wedding of a wealthy woman, and we'd encourage her to be more original. "Readers want something unique, something new," we'd say. Well, Dorothea Benton Frank doesn't give that to her readers, and, judging by the reviews, the readers don't mind. But I do! I'd love to read what Jennifer Weiner would do with this plot. A very disappointing, predictable, trite novel. America, raise your standards.
May 19, 2015
Wesley and Lesley's marriage is in trouble. He is married to golf. He has his high profile job as a sidekick, and his devoted wife of thirty plus years, with two spoiled grown-up kids, as an afterthought. Basically in that order.
But when Wesley visits Scotland to play golf, with his best friend Harold, and the latter's brand-new trophee wife,Cornelia, and lose Lesley for a moment, to a manhole in the street, more fuel is splashed on a smoldering fire in Lesley's soul.
Lesley had it, when she is taken to a hospital, unconscious, while Wesley thought his golf game was much more important. And that's where the sparks, more impressive than those of the fireworks on the opening day of the Olympic Games, ignite. It's not about revenge. It's about principle.
Atlanta and Charleston are the two cities where the drama enfolds. Some funny, some sad. As a summer holiday read this works splendidly. A little bit predictable, but fun. A feel good read.
I will read this author again, when I need to celebrate the good things in life and commemorate the lighter side of everything.
But when Wesley visits Scotland to play golf, with his best friend Harold, and the latter's brand-new trophee wife,Cornelia, and lose Lesley for a moment, to a manhole in the street, more fuel is splashed on a smoldering fire in Lesley's soul.
Lesley had it, when she is taken to a hospital, unconscious, while Wesley thought his golf game was much more important. And that's where the sparks, more impressive than those of the fireworks on the opening day of the Olympic Games, ignite. It's not about revenge. It's about principle.
Atlanta and Charleston are the two cities where the drama enfolds. Some funny, some sad. As a summer holiday read this works splendidly. A little bit predictable, but fun. A feel good read.
I will read this author again, when I need to celebrate the good things in life and commemorate the lighter side of everything.
July 17, 2013
I love Frank's books about the South Carolina island country. Her stories move me to tears and to laughter and her words paint beautiful pictures of the island life in the south. I knew that The Last Original Wife was going to be a deviation from her usual Sullivan Island or Folly Beach books, but hey, it was Dorothea Benton Frank, so I was excited to read her newest book. I was so disappointed.
The story begins in a promising and unique way. Leslie and Wesley (I really didn't like the cutesy couple names, but I could have gotten past it) have been married for 30 years and are telling their side of the story about the disintegration of their marriage. From the get-go, it is clear that Wesley is, to say it politely, a jerk. He is controlling. He doles out household money and complains when Leslie needs more to run the household. He yells if things don't go his way. He thinks his wife's 60th birthday is 2 years away, when it is actually coming up within the next week. He refuses to allow her gay brother visit their home. He uses his wife as an accessory when they go to "the club" and his main interest (never mind the expense) is playing golf.
The title comes from the fact that of the three close couples (Leslie and Wesley, Tessa and Paolo, and Danette and Harold), Leslie is the only original wife. Tessa passed away and a few months later, Paolo was dating a much younger "Barbie". Harold announced to Danette on New Year's Eve that he was leaving her for his own much younger "Barbie". She has nothing in common with the two new girls and Wesley expects her to "play nice" at the various social functions that bring the couples together.
The breaking point comes when Wesley insists that Leslie accompany him and Harold and Cornelia aka Barbie to Scotland for a golf outing. While the 4 of them are walking back to their hotel after dinner, Wesley is walking ahead with Harold and Cornelia as if he has forgotten Leslie is even with them. Leslie falls over a manhole, breaks her arm, knocks out a couple of teeth and has a head injury. It isn't until Wesley gets all the way to the hotel that he realizes Leslie isn't with them. Once aware that she has been hospitalized, he is angry that his golf game may be interrupted and sends Cornelia to watch over his wife. What a prince!
So Leslie returns to her birthplace of Charleston, S.C. and stays with her brother while she sorts out her feelings. Of course, her high school boyfriend moves in and predictably, the romantic feelings are still there after all those years. I hate it when that happens.
What really ruined the story for me was the shallowness of the characters. Of course, Wesley was a jerk and was meant to be, but the dialogue throughout the story annoyed me. Lots of "Yeah!" and "Sure!" and talking in questions "I know, right?". I felt like I was actually reading a conversation from a Young Adult novel. There just wasn't any real emotion or depth in the conversations that took place.
I kept looking at the cover of the book to make sure I was really reading a Dorothea Benton Frank novel. I kept plowing through the book to see if it would get better for me. I kept waiting to be moved with tears and laughter. I kept waiting to see pictures in my head that came from her usual beautiful way with words. On every point I was disappointed. I was just so glad the book finally came to an end. Oh, and the end? Yeah! Sure! It was predictable. I know, right?
The story begins in a promising and unique way. Leslie and Wesley (I really didn't like the cutesy couple names, but I could have gotten past it) have been married for 30 years and are telling their side of the story about the disintegration of their marriage. From the get-go, it is clear that Wesley is, to say it politely, a jerk. He is controlling. He doles out household money and complains when Leslie needs more to run the household. He yells if things don't go his way. He thinks his wife's 60th birthday is 2 years away, when it is actually coming up within the next week. He refuses to allow her gay brother visit their home. He uses his wife as an accessory when they go to "the club" and his main interest (never mind the expense) is playing golf.
The title comes from the fact that of the three close couples (Leslie and Wesley, Tessa and Paolo, and Danette and Harold), Leslie is the only original wife. Tessa passed away and a few months later, Paolo was dating a much younger "Barbie". Harold announced to Danette on New Year's Eve that he was leaving her for his own much younger "Barbie". She has nothing in common with the two new girls and Wesley expects her to "play nice" at the various social functions that bring the couples together.
The breaking point comes when Wesley insists that Leslie accompany him and Harold and Cornelia aka Barbie to Scotland for a golf outing. While the 4 of them are walking back to their hotel after dinner, Wesley is walking ahead with Harold and Cornelia as if he has forgotten Leslie is even with them. Leslie falls over a manhole, breaks her arm, knocks out a couple of teeth and has a head injury. It isn't until Wesley gets all the way to the hotel that he realizes Leslie isn't with them. Once aware that she has been hospitalized, he is angry that his golf game may be interrupted and sends Cornelia to watch over his wife. What a prince!
So Leslie returns to her birthplace of Charleston, S.C. and stays with her brother while she sorts out her feelings. Of course, her high school boyfriend moves in and predictably, the romantic feelings are still there after all those years. I hate it when that happens.
What really ruined the story for me was the shallowness of the characters. Of course, Wesley was a jerk and was meant to be, but the dialogue throughout the story annoyed me. Lots of "Yeah!" and "Sure!" and talking in questions "I know, right?". I felt like I was actually reading a conversation from a Young Adult novel. There just wasn't any real emotion or depth in the conversations that took place.
I kept looking at the cover of the book to make sure I was really reading a Dorothea Benton Frank novel. I kept plowing through the book to see if it would get better for me. I kept waiting to be moved with tears and laughter. I kept waiting to see pictures in my head that came from her usual beautiful way with words. On every point I was disappointed. I was just so glad the book finally came to an end. Oh, and the end? Yeah! Sure! It was predictable. I know, right?
March 20, 2020
“You could tell a lot about the soul of an organization by the reading material in its waiting area.”
― Dorothea Benton Frank, The Last Original Wife
Love the quote. Did not love the book.
I liked it at first. Leslie was a fun character and interesting to read about. The book kind of reminded me of something Olivia Goldsmith would write.
Leslie is indeed "the last original wife". All the hubbys here have traded in their wives for new models. I sometimes really enjoy C hick Lit, especially when it has a trace of snarkiness, which I thought I might get here.
But it grew old for me first. I will explain why but will be including spoilers so for anyone who has not read:
SPOILERS:
I was let down by the turn it took. Once Leslie leaves or "takes a break" from Hubby, she rekindles a spark with her ex in South Carolina and they reconnect. But the book was primarily about that.
So, my main reason for not enjoying it was because what I had thought it was about..was not what it was about.
I just got bored with it. I am not as much into romance novels as I once was but beyond that, I thought I was getting something a bit more edgy and fun and as I said, a little snarky. I thought it might follow along the lines of "First Wives Club" or something. Bit no. The whole book was mostly about Leslie and new new guy and frankly I just a bit tired of reading about them.
The book might be better suited to lovers of contemporary romance. Like I said I do read romantic novels on occasion but I wanted a bit more meat in the story and just reading about this couple grated on me.
― Dorothea Benton Frank, The Last Original Wife
Love the quote. Did not love the book.
I liked it at first. Leslie was a fun character and interesting to read about. The book kind of reminded me of something Olivia Goldsmith would write.
Leslie is indeed "the last original wife". All the hubbys here have traded in their wives for new models. I sometimes really enjoy C hick Lit, especially when it has a trace of snarkiness, which I thought I might get here.
But it grew old for me first. I will explain why but will be including spoilers so for anyone who has not read:
SPOILERS:
I was let down by the turn it took. Once Leslie leaves or "takes a break" from Hubby, she rekindles a spark with her ex in South Carolina and they reconnect. But the book was primarily about that.
So, my main reason for not enjoying it was because what I had thought it was about..was not what it was about.
I just got bored with it. I am not as much into romance novels as I once was but beyond that, I thought I was getting something a bit more edgy and fun and as I said, a little snarky. I thought it might follow along the lines of "First Wives Club" or something. Bit no. The whole book was mostly about Leslie and new new guy and frankly I just a bit tired of reading about them.
The book might be better suited to lovers of contemporary romance. Like I said I do read romantic novels on occasion but I wanted a bit more meat in the story and just reading about this couple grated on me.
January 7, 2015
Witty and full of Southern sass. Several reviews have commented that this is not up to the usual standard of Ms.Benton Frank. Having not read her before I took it for what it was....an entertaining look at marriage, aging and life itself in the dying era of the "old south".
Being a GRIT (girl raised in the south) myself, I laughed out loud at some of the spot on descriptions in this novel. Old, cultured and genteel south meets the new southern style. Two warring generations trying to live together. I pictured perfectly these women in their sensible shoes and mothers pearls, having lunch with the garden club girls and meeting their husbands at "the club" on Saturday night after the hubby has played his 2 rounds of golf with the "boys". Tradition and manners....what is acceptable and expected. Mint juleps all around! Mouths dropping and eyebrows raised at the young girl who shows her curves and cusses while downing a shot of tequila!
Leslie realizes all she has given up to be the perfect wife....the only "original wife" and we get to come along on her journey to find what really matters to her. It is hard to break away from the stereotypes and embrace the present....full of technology, dependent children and plastic "Barbies". But she does so with style....Southern style that is! There is much to be said about the Southern culture, history and tradition...and it is sad to see it disappearing. This book truly shows how wonderful all that can be.
This is not a book with an earth shattering message or a particularly new tale.....marriages grow stale and break up all over the place, not just in the South. Women look to find there own place, not just the one slightly behind their husband. But Ms. Frank tells this same old story with a lot of spunk and spirit. It was just a fun read! 3.5 stars
Being a GRIT (girl raised in the south) myself, I laughed out loud at some of the spot on descriptions in this novel. Old, cultured and genteel south meets the new southern style. Two warring generations trying to live together. I pictured perfectly these women in their sensible shoes and mothers pearls, having lunch with the garden club girls and meeting their husbands at "the club" on Saturday night after the hubby has played his 2 rounds of golf with the "boys". Tradition and manners....what is acceptable and expected. Mint juleps all around! Mouths dropping and eyebrows raised at the young girl who shows her curves and cusses while downing a shot of tequila!
Leslie realizes all she has given up to be the perfect wife....the only "original wife" and we get to come along on her journey to find what really matters to her. It is hard to break away from the stereotypes and embrace the present....full of technology, dependent children and plastic "Barbies". But she does so with style....Southern style that is! There is much to be said about the Southern culture, history and tradition...and it is sad to see it disappearing. This book truly shows how wonderful all that can be.
This is not a book with an earth shattering message or a particularly new tale.....marriages grow stale and break up all over the place, not just in the South. Women look to find there own place, not just the one slightly behind their husband. But Ms. Frank tells this same old story with a lot of spunk and spirit. It was just a fun read! 3.5 stars
June 18, 2013
Ok all you wonderful ladies who stayed home and took care of a husband and your kids....you will love this book. It is simply delightful, just like the author whom I had the pleasure of meeting.
Leslie Carter was a stay-at-home wife/mother who pinched pennies all her life and was starting to wonder why she did. She was tired of being unappreciated and taken for granted especially when she accidentally found a bank statement her husband, Wesley, never allowed her to see that had a balance of 22 million dollars. Yes....22 million....she couldn't believe it.
Leslie decided she needed a vacation from Wesley to cool off. First from the accident she had in Edinburgh which Wesley was so indifferent about and now all this secret money. She knew the best place to go was her brother's in Charleston, their childhood city. Leslie found more than she expected once she arrived.
You will love Leslie for how genuine she is, how believable she is, and how brave she is to finally do something to make herself happy. And....you definitely will dislike Wesley as well as their two children because of their selfishness and disregard for anyone but themselves.
The book has great descriptions both of the characters and the landscapes of the Lowcountry. It is a sweet, homey read and will make you think about your family and your relationships in a new light or simply make you happy or unhappy about where you are in your own life. It will have you doing some introspection as well as having a good laugh. The ending is awesome.
I truly enjoyed this book. This is the second book of Ms. Benton Frank's that I have read, and I am very happy with both of them. The content makes me want to read all of her books.
I received this book without compensation and free of charge from the publisher in return for an honest review.
Leslie Carter was a stay-at-home wife/mother who pinched pennies all her life and was starting to wonder why she did. She was tired of being unappreciated and taken for granted especially when she accidentally found a bank statement her husband, Wesley, never allowed her to see that had a balance of 22 million dollars. Yes....22 million....she couldn't believe it.
Leslie decided she needed a vacation from Wesley to cool off. First from the accident she had in Edinburgh which Wesley was so indifferent about and now all this secret money. She knew the best place to go was her brother's in Charleston, their childhood city. Leslie found more than she expected once she arrived.
You will love Leslie for how genuine she is, how believable she is, and how brave she is to finally do something to make herself happy. And....you definitely will dislike Wesley as well as their two children because of their selfishness and disregard for anyone but themselves.
The book has great descriptions both of the characters and the landscapes of the Lowcountry. It is a sweet, homey read and will make you think about your family and your relationships in a new light or simply make you happy or unhappy about where you are in your own life. It will have you doing some introspection as well as having a good laugh. The ending is awesome.
I truly enjoyed this book. This is the second book of Ms. Benton Frank's that I have read, and I am very happy with both of them. The content makes me want to read all of her books.
I received this book without compensation and free of charge from the publisher in return for an honest review.
April 28, 2014
This is, without a doubt, the worst book I have ever read in a very long life of reading books. Allow me to save you the trouble: Characters: Long suffering Southern wife who has never had a job, deplorable yet wildly successful homophobic borderline alcoholic husband, lazy manipulative borderline alcoholic daughter, son who is described only by his dreadlocks and odor, slutty new young wives of deplorable husband's deplorable friends, Martha the non-English-speaking housekeeper, Jose' the psychic waiter at the club who delivers the perfect martini with only a slight nod from the patrons. (I included Martha and Jose' to meet diversity quotas). Plot: 1. Wife falls in manhole in Edinborough as they return to their hotel breaking teeth and arm while hateful husband fails to notice her absence for 45 minutes because he's salivating over his best friend's new slutty wife. He later plays golf while she lies in hospital.
2. Wife discovers that hubby the horrible has hidden the fact he has amassed $22 million over their 30 year marriage while she drives used cars and only has a maid two times a month.
3. Wife leaves hubby after blow-up at "the club," goes to stay with gay brother who happens to live in a gorgeous historical Charleston mansion and dresses his Havanese dog in pink satin dressing gowns.
4. Wife is reunited with boyfriend from high school on her first night back in Charleston and he now happens to be a wildly successful sports doctor. He is single, rich, and gaga over our protagonist.
5. Wife makes deal with hubby from hell for half the 22 mil., buys gorgeous cottage on swanky island off Charleston coast and continues passionate romance w/ the doc.
6. Lazy daughter hooks up with successful Asian doctor, smelly son gets a job with CNN (dad would have preferred FOX).
The End
There. I saved you 3 hours (yes, it doesn't take long, just feels long) of silly dialogue, faux feminism, and an intellectually insulting plotline.
You're welcome.
2. Wife discovers that hubby the horrible has hidden the fact he has amassed $22 million over their 30 year marriage while she drives used cars and only has a maid two times a month.
3. Wife leaves hubby after blow-up at "the club," goes to stay with gay brother who happens to live in a gorgeous historical Charleston mansion and dresses his Havanese dog in pink satin dressing gowns.
4. Wife is reunited with boyfriend from high school on her first night back in Charleston and he now happens to be a wildly successful sports doctor. He is single, rich, and gaga over our protagonist.
5. Wife makes deal with hubby from hell for half the 22 mil., buys gorgeous cottage on swanky island off Charleston coast and continues passionate romance w/ the doc.
6. Lazy daughter hooks up with successful Asian doctor, smelly son gets a job with CNN (dad would have preferred FOX).
The End
There. I saved you 3 hours (yes, it doesn't take long, just feels long) of silly dialogue, faux feminism, and an intellectually insulting plotline.
You're welcome.
September 3, 2013
Immediately after I finished this book (quick 2 day read) I loved it. It made me think. But now after the better part of a week it left me depressed. It was too cleanly tied with a bow to allow choices most people in the same situation would never have. The writing style is entertaining and witty. I find it interesting that no other reviews have focused on this point about the timing of discovery. If she had never discovered the money, would there have even been a book here? I guess not, because she would have just been stuck with no way to effectuate any changes whatsoever. I don't think this is too much of a spoiler. I did not know for sure which way the marriage would fall until right at the end. And it did honestly make me think about relationships and the role we play in shaping them and establishing the rules by what we tolerate. I also spent a lot of time thinking about what makes me truly happy and how this aligns with my marriage. End of the day, that's what this book did, it forced me in some ways to look in the mirror. And wonder, if I found $22 million in my savings, what would I do?
July 3, 2014
If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all
Or so the saying goes... but I definitely feel the need to rant about this piece of fantasy. Since the book's protagonist is a woman my age, I hoped for a character of depth and wisdom, even though I knew this would be light chic-lit. Little did I know I would be spending the bulk of this read with someone who gets kicks from shopping therapy and complains that her children are not living up to her standards. Bleck!!!
The thing that really gets my ire up about this book is that it's all complete fantasy! Have a boring life with a demanding husband... leave him, but have all the money you could ever dream of and a fella who's perfect in every way and is willing to wait as long as you need.
Bleck again!
Shallow, narcissists are all you'll find here!
Now onto something better!
Or so the saying goes... but I definitely feel the need to rant about this piece of fantasy. Since the book's protagonist is a woman my age, I hoped for a character of depth and wisdom, even though I knew this would be light chic-lit. Little did I know I would be spending the bulk of this read with someone who gets kicks from shopping therapy and complains that her children are not living up to her standards. Bleck!!!
The thing that really gets my ire up about this book is that it's all complete fantasy! Have a boring life with a demanding husband... leave him, but have all the money you could ever dream of and a fella who's perfect in every way and is willing to wait as long as you need.
Bleck again!
Shallow, narcissists are all you'll find here!
Now onto something better!
March 26, 2016
3 stars - It was good.
I almost DNF'd this one in the very first chapter, thinking it would continue to be melodramatic and ridiculous, but I stuck with it and soon found myself laughing out loud and enjoying the southern snark.
I do however feel the author is VERY out of touch with women in their early 30's. The ladies described in the book seem much more like older teens or very young adults and their shenanigans aren't even close to realistic. Fortunately, that doesn't take away from the entertainment value of this fun beach read though.
You have to really applaud the underlying message though, which is basically that life is short - make sure you are living the one you want.
-------------------------------------------
Favorite Quote: Women have to forget a whole lot of things if they want to stay married, and not just from husbands.
First Sentence: Welcome to Saint Magnolia’s Wounded Theater.
I almost DNF'd this one in the very first chapter, thinking it would continue to be melodramatic and ridiculous, but I stuck with it and soon found myself laughing out loud and enjoying the southern snark.
I do however feel the author is VERY out of touch with women in their early 30's. The ladies described in the book seem much more like older teens or very young adults and their shenanigans aren't even close to realistic. Fortunately, that doesn't take away from the entertainment value of this fun beach read though.
You have to really applaud the underlying message though, which is basically that life is short - make sure you are living the one you want.
-------------------------------------------
Favorite Quote: Women have to forget a whole lot of things if they want to stay married, and not just from husbands.
First Sentence: Welcome to Saint Magnolia’s Wounded Theater.
June 19, 2013
Loved this book, and gave it my highest rating because it entertained me, made me laugh out loud and gave me quotable passages that rang perfectly true!
This is her best novel since her first. I've liked them all, but this one has a terrific storyline and it rings true that many of a certain age can embrace.
Terrific read for the beach. I'm traveling to Charleston in two weeks, and I will be looking for these restaurants and Josephine Pickney!
This is her best novel since her first. I've liked them all, but this one has a terrific storyline and it rings true that many of a certain age can embrace.
Terrific read for the beach. I'm traveling to Charleston in two weeks, and I will be looking for these restaurants and Josephine Pickney!
August 11, 2014
The Last Original Wife is a standalone novel written by author Dorothea Benton Frank. The main character Leslie "Les" is fed up with her husband and adult children taking her for granted. After watching her husband's friends move on to women half their age, she wonders if this is her fate too. Some events and realizations occur in this story that escalate Les's unhappiness, and she finally does something about it.
The deep southern aspect of this novel adds humor and charm, and that was my favorite thing about this book. The way the characters phrased things definitely put a smile on my face. The audiobook narration is excellent as the southern accent of the reader really added to the cultural aspect of the characters. The story itself? It was ok for me. I could definitely relate to Les's predicament and frustration, but in her role as a wife and mother I have to say she enabled her husband and children's behavior for all these years by never addressing it sooner. Yes, better late than never applies here, and her personal happiness is crucial. Wives and mothers often place their happiness in second place to those they care for and I admire Dorothea Benton Frank's choice to develop a character who chooses herself first for a change...but the ending still very much surprised me. I don't know what ending I expected and I don't disagree with it necessarily but I was surprised. If you can appreciate a story about an over-fifty woman who refuses to be discarded any longer, then give this book a try!
My favorite quote:
“love is a gift, it’s a noun but it’s also a verb. And yet, for all the poets in history and how they throw the word ‘love’ around like a beach ball, the word ‘love’ still doesn’t cover nearly what we need it to mean. Maybe cherish is the better wish for you. Yes, cherish each other and be happy.”
The deep southern aspect of this novel adds humor and charm, and that was my favorite thing about this book. The way the characters phrased things definitely put a smile on my face. The audiobook narration is excellent as the southern accent of the reader really added to the cultural aspect of the characters. The story itself? It was ok for me. I could definitely relate to Les's predicament and frustration, but in her role as a wife and mother I have to say she enabled her husband and children's behavior for all these years by never addressing it sooner. Yes, better late than never applies here, and her personal happiness is crucial. Wives and mothers often place their happiness in second place to those they care for and I admire Dorothea Benton Frank's choice to develop a character who chooses herself first for a change...but the ending still very much surprised me. I don't know what ending I expected and I don't disagree with it necessarily but I was surprised. If you can appreciate a story about an over-fifty woman who refuses to be discarded any longer, then give this book a try!
My favorite quote:
“love is a gift, it’s a noun but it’s also a verb. And yet, for all the poets in history and how they throw the word ‘love’ around like a beach ball, the word ‘love’ still doesn’t cover nearly what we need it to mean. Maybe cherish is the better wish for you. Yes, cherish each other and be happy.”
July 20, 2013
I love a story with a sassy southern female character. This story takes place in both Charleston and Atlanta. This made me want to take a drive further down south. I loved Les and her ability to realize she deserved happiness as much as her family.
Favorite Quote:
"It was like an episode of the Young and the Restless combined with the Old and the Determined."
Favorite Quote:
"It was like an episode of the Young and the Restless combined with the Old and the Determined."
February 12, 2025
Leslie’s life has slowly been changing. Her marriage hasn’t been ideal, but she enjoys their group of friends and their lifestyle is pleasant. Over a short period though, her husband Wes’ 2 closest friends now have young Barbie trophy wives, and Leslie isn’t enjoying life as much. After an accident while traveling, she comes to realize that Wes only values her as the person who keeps the house clean and life flowing smoothly.
Leslie decides to take a break and heads to Charleston to stay with her dear brother. There she encounters someone from her past who helps her regain a happier more carefree version of herself that she had lost. She’ll face decisions about what path she wants her life to take.
While dealing with some serious subjects, the book is enjoyable and very humorous at times. The audio version seems to capture the personalities of the characters well. These peripheral characters - children, friends, brother, etc. bring more fun. The book highlights how we can empower ourselves to navigate life’s challenges to stay true to ourselves but also grow into better versions of ourselves.
Leslie decides to take a break and heads to Charleston to stay with her dear brother. There she encounters someone from her past who helps her regain a happier more carefree version of herself that she had lost. She’ll face decisions about what path she wants her life to take.
While dealing with some serious subjects, the book is enjoyable and very humorous at times. The audio version seems to capture the personalities of the characters well. These peripheral characters - children, friends, brother, etc. bring more fun. The book highlights how we can empower ourselves to navigate life’s challenges to stay true to ourselves but also grow into better versions of ourselves.
July 23, 2013
After thirty years of marriage to Wesley, Leslie Carter has reached an epiphany. Is she the only original wife in their social set? When she looks around, she sees the changing landscape of marriage for those she knows...and must take another look at her life. The Last Original Wife: A Novel is the story of her journey.
Does she want to keep waiting on a husband who doesn't appreciate or love her in the way she needs? What does her life mean when it's all about Wes and his needs? What about hers? And is she obsolete in the world where she has lived for so long? And then she discovers a closely guarded secret of Wes's about how much money they really have...a lot! And everything changes.
Les takes a trip to Charleston to stay with her brother Harlan—whom Wes has banned from their home during the marriage because he is gay—and as she settles into the comfortable world of the lowcountry, which is truly her home, she begins to see things more clearly.
I was immediately drawn into the story of Les and Wes, narrated alternately between the two of them in their first person voices. I could see how their marriage had started as a traditional union and stayed that way, with no adjustments to the changing world around them. I have known men like Wes, puzzled that their wives want something different. And I've been like Leslie, striving to find her own way.
A favorite part of the story for me was how I could visualize Charleston through Leslie's eyes and fell in love with everything about it. I've never been there...but have read other books set there. And nothing feels more like home than a city described by someone who loves it.
Leslie's friends were like people I've known and enjoyed through the years, and watching their lives unfold felt like walking alongside them. My first experience with this author will not be my last. This delightful book earned five stars.
Does she want to keep waiting on a husband who doesn't appreciate or love her in the way she needs? What does her life mean when it's all about Wes and his needs? What about hers? And is she obsolete in the world where she has lived for so long? And then she discovers a closely guarded secret of Wes's about how much money they really have...a lot! And everything changes.
Les takes a trip to Charleston to stay with her brother Harlan—whom Wes has banned from their home during the marriage because he is gay—and as she settles into the comfortable world of the lowcountry, which is truly her home, she begins to see things more clearly.
I was immediately drawn into the story of Les and Wes, narrated alternately between the two of them in their first person voices. I could see how their marriage had started as a traditional union and stayed that way, with no adjustments to the changing world around them. I have known men like Wes, puzzled that their wives want something different. And I've been like Leslie, striving to find her own way.
A favorite part of the story for me was how I could visualize Charleston through Leslie's eyes and fell in love with everything about it. I've never been there...but have read other books set there. And nothing feels more like home than a city described by someone who loves it.
Leslie's friends were like people I've known and enjoyed through the years, and watching their lives unfold felt like walking alongside them. My first experience with this author will not be my last. This delightful book earned five stars.
July 5, 2013
Disappointing. The protagonist is an almost-sixty year old woman who has been married thirty years, having dropped out of college to marry in a pregnant rush. Which would make her fifty, not sixty. Mathematical errors aside, the characters behaved in completely unbelievable ways and spoke unconvincingly too. The husband was too much of a shit without any redeeming qualities which would have made her stay married. The kids were awful, the plot ridiculous. Plus the author threw in a few random ghost tricks - no explanation, no reason, just made you shake your head in confusion. Will not be reading any more from this author - totally annoying.
June 30, 2013
Chick-lit for the mature reader is the best way I can think of to describe this book. If you are late 40s (and beyond), married for 15+ years, and enjoy stories of romance set in the south (Atlanta and Charleston) this book would probably be worth your time in reading.
Dorothea Benton Frank tells the story of Leslie and Weston (Les and Wes) and their struggles after 30 years of marriage. In their circle of friends, Les remains the "last original wife" as their closest two "couple friends" have started in on their second marriage. Les is unhappy with where her marriage is, and Wes, seems unaware of what his wife is in search of. Told through alternating perspectives of both the husband and wife, the author manages to create relate-able and many likable characters as she takes her readers through the experience of a marriage that has lost its sparkle.
I'm torn on my rating: in may ways this book is worth only 2 stars (my idea of a "eh, don't bother story). Certain facts don't add up (Les's age balanced against the age of her children) and certain pieces seemed like a repeating loop of a record (she gave away a lot of detail at the beginning so there really was no building plot line because I felt she recapped the entire story at the beginning).
But I ended up with the 3 stars because truth be told...I just like this author's style and story settings. Set in Charleston, you can just feel the calming influence of this coastal town, as Les sorts out her struggles. Her adult children have both "failed to launch" and this is a worry I myself have with my own teen-aged sons (not sure if that will be the case, but in the never ending game of parenting worries, that along with "what college will they get accepted into" is the next thing that one worries about). I can no longer relate easily to the chic-lit involving the younger set, but can find myself reaching towards that next stage in my adult life of "mature married" couple. Grateful for the many blessings in my marriage, I still enjoyed a peek into someone's marriage that just seems to be in a rut that needs fixing. And knowing that romance, even in our later years, is still very much a possibility. Well, it just pushed the story into the 3 star category (give it a try if it romance is a genre of reading you enjoy).
Dorothea Benton Frank tells the story of Leslie and Weston (Les and Wes) and their struggles after 30 years of marriage. In their circle of friends, Les remains the "last original wife" as their closest two "couple friends" have started in on their second marriage. Les is unhappy with where her marriage is, and Wes, seems unaware of what his wife is in search of. Told through alternating perspectives of both the husband and wife, the author manages to create relate-able and many likable characters as she takes her readers through the experience of a marriage that has lost its sparkle.
I'm torn on my rating: in may ways this book is worth only 2 stars (my idea of a "eh, don't bother story). Certain facts don't add up (Les's age balanced against the age of her children) and certain pieces seemed like a repeating loop of a record (she gave away a lot of detail at the beginning so there really was no building plot line because I felt she recapped the entire story at the beginning).
But I ended up with the 3 stars because truth be told...I just like this author's style and story settings. Set in Charleston, you can just feel the calming influence of this coastal town, as Les sorts out her struggles. Her adult children have both "failed to launch" and this is a worry I myself have with my own teen-aged sons (not sure if that will be the case, but in the never ending game of parenting worries, that along with "what college will they get accepted into" is the next thing that one worries about). I can no longer relate easily to the chic-lit involving the younger set, but can find myself reaching towards that next stage in my adult life of "mature married" couple. Grateful for the many blessings in my marriage, I still enjoyed a peek into someone's marriage that just seems to be in a rut that needs fixing. And knowing that romance, even in our later years, is still very much a possibility. Well, it just pushed the story into the 3 star category (give it a try if it romance is a genre of reading you enjoy).
July 11, 2015
Ovaj roman govori o braku i bračnim problemima, ali dodajući toj ozbiljnoj temi i malu dozu humora. Trend odbacivanja 'starih i dotrajalih' supruga za mlađe i novije modele koji prakticiraju Wesleyevi prijatelji ovdje je okidač koji usmjeri Leslienu pažnju na probleme u njenom braku koji su zapravo oduvijek bili ondje, samo sve do sada nije o njima razmišljala niti im dopuštala da joj dođu u fokus, nego ih je ostavljala da plutaju negdje sa strane, kao da bi, ako na njih ne obraća pažnju dovoljno dugo, mogli jednostavno nestati sami od sebe. Sad, što više promišlja o svom braku i gleda na sve čime nije bila zadovoljna u njemu u prošlosti, Leslie dolazi do pitanja koje joj se nameće samo od sebe: jesu li ona i Wesley zapravo uopće bili jedno za drugo? I koliko dugo, onda, to više nisu?
Priču nam naizmjence iznose Leslie i Wesley, svatko iz svojeg kuta gledanja i različito doživljavajući to što im se oboma događa. Leslie je smirena, odlučna, pametna i zna što želi, došla je do točke u svojem životu u kojoj joj je dosta da ju drugi uzimaju zdravo za gotovo i iskorištavaju, te želi promjenu, i želi odsada pa nadalje biti sretna i zadovoljna svojim životom. Wesley, pak, ne shvaća zašto se odjednom oko svega diže tolika frka, nevoljko prihvaća Lesliene promjene, još uvijek u nadi da će se ona predomisliti i da će sve vratiti na staro. Teško se miri s činjenicom da će mu se život promijeniti i neće više biti onakav na kakav je navikao te mu je potrebno jako puno vremena da se pomiri sa situacijom i konačno i sam uoči sve probleme koje je Leslie u njihovom braku već uočila. Nemoguće je, uzevši u obzir to kako se ponašaju ovo dvoje supružnika i kako doživljavaju jedno drugo, ne stati na Leslienu stranu i ne navijati za nju da dobije ono što želi.
Ovo je priča o jednom braku i njegovim problemima, koja će se mnogima činiti bliskom i poznatom, barem u nekom njenom dijelu i obliku. No, ovo je također i priča o prevladavanju tih problema, pronalasku rješenja, činjenici da život ne prestaje jednom kad uđeš u brak i da uvijek ima vremena za promjene koje će te konačno učiniti sretnom i zadovoljnom osobom.
Ovaj roman je ozbiljan kada to treba biti, s dozama humora ubačenim točno u pravoj mjeri i na pravim mjestima. On postavlja neka pitanja i pruža neke odgovore, realan je, zanimljiv i zabavan - po meni, pravo štivo za čitanje na odmoru ovog ljeta. (A prati ga i prava ljetna naslovnica. :))
Duža recenzija je na FB stranici.
Priču nam naizmjence iznose Leslie i Wesley, svatko iz svojeg kuta gledanja i različito doživljavajući to što im se oboma događa. Leslie je smirena, odlučna, pametna i zna što želi, došla je do točke u svojem životu u kojoj joj je dosta da ju drugi uzimaju zdravo za gotovo i iskorištavaju, te želi promjenu, i želi odsada pa nadalje biti sretna i zadovoljna svojim životom. Wesley, pak, ne shvaća zašto se odjednom oko svega diže tolika frka, nevoljko prihvaća Lesliene promjene, još uvijek u nadi da će se ona predomisliti i da će sve vratiti na staro. Teško se miri s činjenicom da će mu se život promijeniti i neće više biti onakav na kakav je navikao te mu je potrebno jako puno vremena da se pomiri sa situacijom i konačno i sam uoči sve probleme koje je Leslie u njihovom braku već uočila. Nemoguće je, uzevši u obzir to kako se ponašaju ovo dvoje supružnika i kako doživljavaju jedno drugo, ne stati na Leslienu stranu i ne navijati za nju da dobije ono što želi.
Ovo je priča o jednom braku i njegovim problemima, koja će se mnogima činiti bliskom i poznatom, barem u nekom njenom dijelu i obliku. No, ovo je također i priča o prevladavanju tih problema, pronalasku rješenja, činjenici da život ne prestaje jednom kad uđeš u brak i da uvijek ima vremena za promjene koje će te konačno učiniti sretnom i zadovoljnom osobom.
Ovaj roman je ozbiljan kada to treba biti, s dozama humora ubačenim točno u pravoj mjeri i na pravim mjestima. On postavlja neka pitanja i pruža neke odgovore, realan je, zanimljiv i zabavan - po meni, pravo štivo za čitanje na odmoru ovog ljeta. (A prati ga i prava ljetna naslovnica. :))
Duža recenzija je na FB stranici.
June 12, 2013
The Last Original Wife
by
Dorothea Benton Frank
My"in a nutshell" summary...
Wes and Les are married but not too happily. After putting up with his outrageous ways for 30 years...Les leaves! Yeah, Les!
My thoughts after reading...
I have not read one of Dottie's books in a while but I truly think she outdid herself with this one...it's filled with quick wit and tons of fun snarky sarcasm. I loved Les...she was the good wife for long enough. Her revolt against her husband was divine!
I loved the way she ran off to her gay brother and his dog...Miss Jo. I loved the way she became spunky. I loved the way this story so very nicely unfolded.
What I loved about this book...
I know and realize that I am using the word love a lot as I discuss this book but the reading of it was just a joy. Rooting, cheering and appreciating Leslie was most of the fun of this book. It wasn't as though she was lackluster for most of her marriage because she seemed to be a person who spoke up when she needed to. It was just that she was a good mother, a good wife and an awesome grandmother who put everyone else first. Realizing that she didn't want to do that anymore was awesome.
What I did not love...
Wesley...the husband...could not have been more of a selfish joke...the man you love to hate!
If this book was a movie the audience would have cheered the minute Leslie got on the plane to see her brother...yeah Les...you go girl!
Final thoughts...
A fun addictive page turner...perfect for the beach or a long plane ride...you will not be able to put it down!
by
Dorothea Benton Frank
My"in a nutshell" summary...
Wes and Les are married but not too happily. After putting up with his outrageous ways for 30 years...Les leaves! Yeah, Les!
My thoughts after reading...
I have not read one of Dottie's books in a while but I truly think she outdid herself with this one...it's filled with quick wit and tons of fun snarky sarcasm. I loved Les...she was the good wife for long enough. Her revolt against her husband was divine!
I loved the way she ran off to her gay brother and his dog...Miss Jo. I loved the way she became spunky. I loved the way this story so very nicely unfolded.
What I loved about this book...
I know and realize that I am using the word love a lot as I discuss this book but the reading of it was just a joy. Rooting, cheering and appreciating Leslie was most of the fun of this book. It wasn't as though she was lackluster for most of her marriage because she seemed to be a person who spoke up when she needed to. It was just that she was a good mother, a good wife and an awesome grandmother who put everyone else first. Realizing that she didn't want to do that anymore was awesome.
What I did not love...
Wesley...the husband...could not have been more of a selfish joke...the man you love to hate!
If this book was a movie the audience would have cheered the minute Leslie got on the plane to see her brother...yeah Les...you go girl!
Final thoughts...
A fun addictive page turner...perfect for the beach or a long plane ride...you will not be able to put it down!
June 14, 2014
Soon to be 60 year old Leslie Anne looks around one evening at the Country Club and notes that she is the last original wife at the table, her husband's (Wes) affluent friends having moved on to new "trophy" wives. She misses her old friends, most of whom, like her, have spent their lives putting everyone else first while raising their families, and after a few events involving her husband and her ungrateful adult children , decides to make some big changes in her life. Sometimes a book should just be fun !! I really enjoyed this book, of course I am the perfect demographic for it , being near the same age, an original wife with adult kids , and don't we all sometimes feel taken for granted ? I was cheering Leslie Anne on as she decides that she too deserves to be happy. A quick to read delightful "You Go Girl !! " book. 4 stars
February 23, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved how Lesley reassessed her life and realised she was being taken for granted. I love that she chose to be happy and to make the choice for a life enjoyed. I loved her little bit of revenge but mostly her common sense and forgiveness. Both powerful and funny. Must read more of DBF.
January 3, 2015
I've been reading/listening Dorothea Benton Frank's LowCountry tales and thinking I could love living in the South. Her writing style is friendly and engaging. Although being older and not a Southerner I could relate to the protagonist and her generation. I recommend it to anyone as a light fluffy read with some hilarious events and memorable characters.
March 9, 2016
Goodreads won't allow me to give this less than one star, so one star it is. Frank must have paid a lot of people off to get the average rating of this book above 3.5 stars.
First, Frank is in desperate need of a lesson in the difference between a question mark and a period, because she mixes them up constantly throughout the book. "Ballistic on the level of a Chinese New Year's firework display? In Bejing? At the Olympics?" Sorry Frank, but none of those are questions. Wouldn't it be annoying if I wrote the rest of this review with only question marks? I bet you'd stop reading it? Due to how insufferable it would be? Ugh?
Second, nearly every male character in this book is horrible. Les, Harold, and Paolo are all stereotypical men in their 60's who treat women like accessories and feel that they deserve everything life hands to them. Les is the worst, with the male attitude we all know and love - assuming his wife Les "doesn't do anything" since all she does is cook, clean, and raise their children while he does important tasks like visiting clubs, golfing, and spending time with hookers. The way Wes is written, I must conclude that Frank is a complete and utter man-hater. All of these men are one-dimensional with zero redeeming qualities.
Third, there were no surprises in this book. At all. Everything ends up EXACTLY as the reader would expect. And they all lived happily every after. Except for Wes, Harold, and Paolo, that is.
If I hated it so much, why did I read it so quickly? I liken this book to the television show The New Girl in that the plot is weak, the characters are unrealistic and I hate myself every time I watch it - and yet I just can't stop. No, I don't know what's wrong with me either, so don't ask.
First, Frank is in desperate need of a lesson in the difference between a question mark and a period, because she mixes them up constantly throughout the book. "Ballistic on the level of a Chinese New Year's firework display? In Bejing? At the Olympics?" Sorry Frank, but none of those are questions. Wouldn't it be annoying if I wrote the rest of this review with only question marks? I bet you'd stop reading it? Due to how insufferable it would be? Ugh?
Second, nearly every male character in this book is horrible. Les, Harold, and Paolo are all stereotypical men in their 60's who treat women like accessories and feel that they deserve everything life hands to them. Les is the worst, with the male attitude we all know and love - assuming his wife Les "doesn't do anything" since all she does is cook, clean, and raise their children while he does important tasks like visiting clubs, golfing, and spending time with hookers. The way Wes is written, I must conclude that Frank is a complete and utter man-hater. All of these men are one-dimensional with zero redeeming qualities.
Third, there were no surprises in this book. At all. Everything ends up EXACTLY as the reader would expect. And they all lived happily every after. Except for Wes, Harold, and Paolo, that is.
If I hated it so much, why did I read it so quickly? I liken this book to the television show The New Girl in that the plot is weak, the characters are unrealistic and I hate myself every time I watch it - and yet I just can't stop. No, I don't know what's wrong with me either, so don't ask.
April 18, 2015
Right from the start of the audio book I was annoyed by two things: the narrator's voice and affected Southern drawl, and the married couple named Wes and Les. I really hate the matchy matchiness of names in books when there's just no reason for it. It was almost as nauseating as the time I read an otherwise pleasant debut novel with a couple named Jack and Jill. That marriage was doomed too.
The characters are what is really wrong with this book. They are boring, shallow and unlikeable. Don't even get me started on Wes, the clueless uncaring control freak of a male chauvinist who keeps a wife around for all the wrong reasons. Les has left him for all the right reasons, but I had little sympathy for her and absolutely no empathy.
I am a fan of Dorothea Benton Frank's writing and sense of humor and have enjoyed many of her Low Country tales. There were a couple laugh out loud moments here but not enough to redeem it. Overall this book just didn't cut it, and I couldn't wait to cut out.
July 11, 2021
Quick little diversion from some of the heavier reading I’ve done lately. It’s summer after all! Dorothea Benton Frank is a summer must for me.
Some of the dialogue here is a little cheesy. The plot is kind of predictable. But I enjoyed the book for what it is. It is easy to cheer for Les, the main character, a 60 year old woman who is coming to the realization that life is more than waiting on her family hand and foot. As the “last original wife” among her husband’s friends, and becoming more and more frustrated with her selfish, adult children, Les needs to gather herself. When she leaves Atlanta to stay with her brother Harlan in her hometown of Charlotte, she begins to accept and love herself. Harlan is a hoot.
I’m thankful that there are a lot more of these books left for me to read since there won’t be any more new ones. I enjoy my visits to the low country at least once a year, even if they are only literary.
Some of the dialogue here is a little cheesy. The plot is kind of predictable. But I enjoyed the book for what it is. It is easy to cheer for Les, the main character, a 60 year old woman who is coming to the realization that life is more than waiting on her family hand and foot. As the “last original wife” among her husband’s friends, and becoming more and more frustrated with her selfish, adult children, Les needs to gather herself. When she leaves Atlanta to stay with her brother Harlan in her hometown of Charlotte, she begins to accept and love herself. Harlan is a hoot.
I’m thankful that there are a lot more of these books left for me to read since there won’t be any more new ones. I enjoy my visits to the low country at least once a year, even if they are only literary.
July 30, 2019
Very enjoyable! I am ready to read another book by this author!
August 9, 2013
The latest book from Dot Frank is pretty darn good. Love all her stories from the Lowcountry, South Carolina. I always want to take a road trip when I wrap one of her little gems up. Frank's books always take place in the Lowcountry, from Sullivan's Island to Pawleys Island. Last Original Wife starts out in Atlanta but quickly moves to Charleston. The book also contains some literary tidbits on Josephine Pinckney. (The main character flees to Charleston to stay with her brother, who happens to own the former, haunted home of Pinckney.) Adds interest to this tale.
Easy read. Simple, basic plot. Leslie and Wes are married with two of the most ungrateful, lazy 20-something kids. Leslie, or Les, as she is most often referred to, is fed up to the yazoo with her family. Her husband, Wes, is inattentive and B-o-r-i-n-g. He treats Les like dirt, basically. Wes spends all of his free time on the golf course with his 2 best buds. All three of these weasels are suffering some form of midlife crisis and Wes' friends have replaced their wives, who also happened to be Leslie's BFF's, with very young wives. For obvious reasons, Les cannot stand these two little minxes. Wes drags Leslie on a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland, with said friends in tow, to play golf at the old famed St. Andrews Golf Club.
THIS is the beginning of the end of Wes and Les's marriage. In Edinburgh, after having lunch, the three couples were walking back to the hotel. Les accidentally falls into a manhole and it goes unnoticed by the entire group. For 45 minutes Les's husband did not miss her walking along side him. Not until the group returns to the hotel! Meanwhile, Les is rescued and whisked to the hospital in a foreign country. Making matters worse, Wes doesn't join Les at the hospital and enjoys 2 days of golf while his wife lingers at the hospital. Once home in Atlanta, Les makes the painful decision to leave and doesn't tell anyone where she's going or when she will return.
Leslie flees to the home of her brother, Harlan, in Charleston, SC. It is here where Leslie will rediscover what it means to live, love and find true happiness within herself. Self discovery. I think so.
Easy read. Simple, basic plot. Leslie and Wes are married with two of the most ungrateful, lazy 20-something kids. Leslie, or Les, as she is most often referred to, is fed up to the yazoo with her family. Her husband, Wes, is inattentive and B-o-r-i-n-g. He treats Les like dirt, basically. Wes spends all of his free time on the golf course with his 2 best buds. All three of these weasels are suffering some form of midlife crisis and Wes' friends have replaced their wives, who also happened to be Leslie's BFF's, with very young wives. For obvious reasons, Les cannot stand these two little minxes. Wes drags Leslie on a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland, with said friends in tow, to play golf at the old famed St. Andrews Golf Club.
THIS is the beginning of the end of Wes and Les's marriage. In Edinburgh, after having lunch, the three couples were walking back to the hotel. Les accidentally falls into a manhole and it goes unnoticed by the entire group. For 45 minutes Les's husband did not miss her walking along side him. Not until the group returns to the hotel! Meanwhile, Les is rescued and whisked to the hospital in a foreign country. Making matters worse, Wes doesn't join Les at the hospital and enjoys 2 days of golf while his wife lingers at the hospital. Once home in Atlanta, Les makes the painful decision to leave and doesn't tell anyone where she's going or when she will return.
Leslie flees to the home of her brother, Harlan, in Charleston, SC. It is here where Leslie will rediscover what it means to live, love and find true happiness within herself. Self discovery. I think so.
January 4, 2016
I really enjoyed The Last Original Wife by Dorothea Benton Frank, the story of a sixty-year-old woman finding herself after a lifetime of putting everyone else first. From the very beginning, the voices of the two main characters, Leslie and her husband Wes, were funny, compelling, and realistic. Although Wes was more shallow, Leslie's internal dialogue reflected the drives and misgivings of "second adulthood" very well. Who are we at this age, she wonders, and where do we go from here? A very timely topic.
I enjoyed peering inside a bubble of affluence that includes dysfunctional adult children, trophy wives and Masters of the Universe in action. The descriptions of Atlanta and especially Charleston are lush with detail about modern life and the history of the place. The author is adept at keeping the dramatic tension high, and I couldn't put the book down; it's well-written and well-edited. Lastly, I enjoyed learning about Josephine Pinckney and other strong women who've been inexplicably overlooked by history.
The only knock on the book is that in some (very small) places the dialogue seemed more geared toward informing the reader than entertaining. One example is in Leslie's ruminations with her brother about Pinckney, which went on a bit long. Also, some of the restaurant descriptions (e.g. menu items) seemed overly detailed, but as a writer I'd probably do the same thing in hopes the establishment would show me some love in return, next time I dropped by. And having eaten at Magnolia's in Charleston, I certainly understand!
In summary I very much enjoyed this story, feel happy to have discovered Ms. Frank, and look forward to checking out the rest of her novels.
I enjoyed peering inside a bubble of affluence that includes dysfunctional adult children, trophy wives and Masters of the Universe in action. The descriptions of Atlanta and especially Charleston are lush with detail about modern life and the history of the place. The author is adept at keeping the dramatic tension high, and I couldn't put the book down; it's well-written and well-edited. Lastly, I enjoyed learning about Josephine Pinckney and other strong women who've been inexplicably overlooked by history.
The only knock on the book is that in some (very small) places the dialogue seemed more geared toward informing the reader than entertaining. One example is in Leslie's ruminations with her brother about Pinckney, which went on a bit long. Also, some of the restaurant descriptions (e.g. menu items) seemed overly detailed, but as a writer I'd probably do the same thing in hopes the establishment would show me some love in return, next time I dropped by. And having eaten at Magnolia's in Charleston, I certainly understand!
In summary I very much enjoyed this story, feel happy to have discovered Ms. Frank, and look forward to checking out the rest of her novels.
August 8, 2013
The Last Original Wife by Dorothea Benton Frank was a good read. The book is about Leslie Carter finding herself as her world changes dramatically. Leslie is a woman who lived her entire marriage under the thumb of her husband Wesley. He is oblivious and self-righteous, totally clueless about his wife and what is important. A series of incidences occur and Les realizes that she is not happy - not cherished - basically a doormat for her husband and children! This realization and her subsequent journey to find happiness and life is the crux of the story as it is for many people today.
One of the best things about Dorothea Benton Frank's books is the incredible lowland setting with the warm humid weather and ocean breezes bring the book to you in a very visceral way. I was sorry that this element was a smaller part of this book.
I like how Dorothea Benton Frank writes. Her writing is smooth and reads quite well. I enjoy her setting of the scenes and the relationship between Leslie and her best friend. I found a couple of the scenes quite humorous – the wedding crashers and the manhole.
A great quote from the book: "...love is a gift, it's a noun but it is also a verb. And yet, for all the poets in history and how they throw the word 'love' around like a beach ball, the word love does not cover nearly what we need it to mean. Maybe cherish is the better wish for you."
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