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Nell
Delineates the lives of three women in search of security and independence--agonizing Clarissa, bored Ilona, and spokeswoman Nell, who is determined to define her own life
380 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 1985
287 people are currently reading
612 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Thayer
51 books4,051 followersNancy Thayer has published 35 novels, including Family Reunion and Secrets in Summer. She has lived on Nantucket Island year-round for 38 years with her husband Charley Walters. They have two children and five grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 12, 2014
Nell St. John is not happy with the way her life is going - not by a long shot. She was once a glamorous young actress, married to an influential director, Marlow St. John. Together, they were the toast of the town, an A-list couple destined for fame.
But then Marlow's star fades and tensions at home begin to skyrocket. He soon takes up with another woman and abandons Nell, leaving her to pay the bills and raise their two boisterous young children by herself. Even a string of attractive suitors is not the answer to Nell's lack of fulfillment, but then, what is?
When she is offered a job working at a posh clothing boutique on Nantucket, Nell uproots her young family and moves to the island. Soon, her college age ex-stepdaughter Clary, who has her own romantic troubles, moves in with her. Clary and Nell quickly fall in love with island life and its much gentler pace, that they discover while living on Nantucket. Nell also captures the attention of an eccentric man about town.
And in that carefree, romantic summer of tender passion, Nell looks within and discovers so much more about herself than she ever dreamed possible.
This book was a great read for me. A gossipy, engaging beach read; definitely a woman's book if ever I've read one. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It certainly wasn't your typical 'fluffy' romantic love story, but filled with multi-dimensional, well-developed characters that I connected with very deeply. I give this book an A+! and am looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
But then Marlow's star fades and tensions at home begin to skyrocket. He soon takes up with another woman and abandons Nell, leaving her to pay the bills and raise their two boisterous young children by herself. Even a string of attractive suitors is not the answer to Nell's lack of fulfillment, but then, what is?
When she is offered a job working at a posh clothing boutique on Nantucket, Nell uproots her young family and moves to the island. Soon, her college age ex-stepdaughter Clary, who has her own romantic troubles, moves in with her. Clary and Nell quickly fall in love with island life and its much gentler pace, that they discover while living on Nantucket. Nell also captures the attention of an eccentric man about town.
And in that carefree, romantic summer of tender passion, Nell looks within and discovers so much more about herself than she ever dreamed possible.
This book was a great read for me. A gossipy, engaging beach read; definitely a woman's book if ever I've read one. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It certainly wasn't your typical 'fluffy' romantic love story, but filled with multi-dimensional, well-developed characters that I connected with very deeply. I give this book an A+! and am looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
March 5, 2016
Excellent book, even though it doesn't have the picture perfect ending. Still an interesting journey through a woman's life -- marriage, divorce, children, jobs, friends, lovers. Nell manages to survive it all with a sense of humor, even when the man she loves turns out to be selfish and self centered.
July 25, 2014
This book could of ended in a variety of different ways...in the end I enjoyed the outcome. Dived into Nell's story straight from page one and kept me entertained page after page.
June 11, 2019
Self Sufficient
Nell was a survivor. She didn't always get what she wanted, but she was a survivor, and knew what her priorities were.
She loved her children, and always put their needs first!
Nell was a survivor. She didn't always get what she wanted, but she was a survivor, and knew what her priorities were.
She loved her children, and always put their needs first!
January 19, 2024
Let me begin by saying, I love Nancy Thayer novels. They always let me know summer is coming on Nantucket but I really struggled with this novel. Dear Nell was so hyper focused on being with a man, being in love and the commitment of marriage that she lost herself. Verbose at times with descriptions. At the end of the book, I felt some promise in her future but the book itself was a struggle for me.
February 13, 2022
Did not enjoy, this book was awful in my opinion. Too, forever to get through this one, with all the repetition regarding Nell’s loves or lack there of, SMH. I have found myself reading all her older books, and am so glad I discovered her later. I don’t think I would have continued to read her books….
January 5, 2021
FINALLY finished this 518 page book! Probably my least favorite Nancy Thayer book. It is extremely wordy with a repetitive and whiny theme. I didn't like the ending. At least I didn't give up ;-).
February 24, 2010
This was the 2nd book by Nancy Thayer that I read in the mid eighties and the first one taking place on Nantucket, my favorite place on earth.
Beautiful love story and description of Nantucket.
Beautiful love story and description of Nantucket.
May 12, 2015
My favorite book of all times. I read it at least once a year.
October 29, 2020
It was OK but I got kind of sick of the main character's whining.
September 7, 2019
Nell is the third novel that I have read by Nancy Thayer, who is known as the "queen of beach reads." Without realizing it, I read Nell right after reading Elin Hilderbrand's Summer of '69; both novels are set on Nantucket.
I am finding Thayer's novels to be uneven as far as depth and reader satisfaction are concerned. Her character description and dialogue are consistently well done, but there is something lacking for me in some of her stories.
In this novel, Nell, the main character, is lonely and dissatisfied with her life, and tries to remedy what is lacking with sequential relationships with men, who are readily available to her due to her ability to attract. However, time after time, she makes poor choices and the relationships don't work out. After a while, I became frustrated with her inappropriate alliances.
I also have an odd criticism of this novel, which is that Thayer includes mentions of vomiting excessively; I can't imagine why an editor wouldn't have discouraged that!
I am finding Thayer's novels to be uneven as far as depth and reader satisfaction are concerned. Her character description and dialogue are consistently well done, but there is something lacking for me in some of her stories.
In this novel, Nell, the main character, is lonely and dissatisfied with her life, and tries to remedy what is lacking with sequential relationships with men, who are readily available to her due to her ability to attract. However, time after time, she makes poor choices and the relationships don't work out. After a while, I became frustrated with her inappropriate alliances.
I also have an odd criticism of this novel, which is that Thayer includes mentions of vomiting excessively; I can't imagine why an editor wouldn't have discouraged that!
July 18, 2024
Book starts slowly but picks up interest. Nell is a divorced single mom of 2 school aged children. She is also very close with young adult stepdaughter Clary. In the beginning, Nell is in a slump because she only meets guys younger than her, whom she finds too immature to love, but not to immature to go out with or have sex with. Her boss, who comes across as a very selfish, wealthy snob, provides an opportunity to spend a summer in Nantucket running the clothing boutique there. With her children with their father and stepmother , she invites Clary, newly broken up with the love of her very young life, to live with her for the summer. Nell loves everything about Nantucket, especially Andy, who she meets early on. He is everything she is looking for , or so she thinks. During this summer away from her usual respinsibilities, Nell learns some valuable lessons on life.
April 18, 2025
Disappointing
I like Nancy Thayer for the most part. I loved Belonging. But there was not much about this book that I did like. I found myself skipping through chunks of it because they were boring. I think you must engage with the characters to love a book, and there was nothing lovable about Needy Nell and certainly not Awful Andy. Nell spent 98 percent of the book yearning for something she didn't have--marriage with a man she loved. She wanted it so badly she convinced herself a totally unlovable man was her chosen one. Even his stick-like body was unattractive to me. Maybe I'm too judgmental, but I found only one redeeming quality in Nell--her love for family and friends. There was one good thing I took from the book that I agree with: there are two kinds of women--those that men love and those that men don't love. Made sense to me.
I like Nancy Thayer for the most part. I loved Belonging. But there was not much about this book that I did like. I found myself skipping through chunks of it because they were boring. I think you must engage with the characters to love a book, and there was nothing lovable about Needy Nell and certainly not Awful Andy. Nell spent 98 percent of the book yearning for something she didn't have--marriage with a man she loved. She wanted it so badly she convinced herself a totally unlovable man was her chosen one. Even his stick-like body was unattractive to me. Maybe I'm too judgmental, but I found only one redeeming quality in Nell--her love for family and friends. There was one good thing I took from the book that I agree with: there are two kinds of women--those that men love and those that men don't love. Made sense to me.
September 17, 2025
I didn’t know what to expect, but this book is almost like the biography of a section of a fictional woman’s life. It’s all over the place. Nell is a neurotic and frustrating character who can’t find satisfaction in anyone or anything. There are a number of relatable moments but I have a feeling I’ll completely forget about this book.
December 25, 2021
It is interesting to listen to but I wouldn't have chosen it if it were written in Spanish. The vocabulary is kind of easy for me to follow and it was fun listen to it while walking or working in the garden. The story is intereting, not borring but nothing new or surprising for me.
January 30, 2024
3.5 Stars. A really great first novel. I enjoyed the story and the writing skill. It’s no wonder she has become a popular author. Nell’s story is about not quite fitting in and looking for a place to belong.
April 13, 2024
I love Nancy Thayer books, just not so much this one. Her main character is more into what she wants out of life - and doesn't have, then enjoying the blessings she does have. I liked the ending. So, most of the book was a downer for me. Sorry, Nancy. You can't please us all all of the time.
January 10, 2025
This book is a character study of a woman named Nell. It tells how she navigates life as it comes to her and the growth she experiences as she meets each challenge. Quite long, but easy to get involved in.
October 13, 2018
Not as good as her later books
I am not sure why I didn’t like it as much as her other books but I found mystic speed reading through it.
I am not sure why I didn’t like it as much as her other books but I found mystic speed reading through it.
February 7, 2019
A true storyteller!
February 1, 2024
Cheers to Nell
I love that Nell’s story could be anyones. Her experiences and feelings felt real. Her frustrations and reactions were those of women everywhere. So relatable!
I love that Nell’s story could be anyones. Her experiences and feelings felt real. Her frustrations and reactions were those of women everywhere. So relatable!
March 11, 2024
Boring
February 4, 2024
some very offensive language.
Very disappointed in this book. Some of the language was offensive. Story went on and on and on. Do not recommend.
Very disappointed in this book. Some of the language was offensive. Story went on and on and on. Do not recommend.
February 15, 2015
Nell and Marlow St. John had been a golden couple: he, a famous director, and she, a talented actress. Could their life get any better? But then the children came along. First, Jeremy, and two years later, Hannah.
Life gradually changed for them, and then, unexpectedly, Marlow left Nell for her best friend Charlotte. In some ways, she felt more betrayed by Charlotte than she did by Marlow.
Five years later, Nell is still alone, struggling financially, working in a high end boutique in Cambridge, and moving from one lover to another, never seeming to find The One. She just wants to love someone, and have him love her in return. Is that too much to ask?
When Nell's boss Elizabeth asks her to manage the boutique on Nantucket for the summer, it seems impossible, but when Marlow agrees to take the children for two months, Nell sighs with relief.
Finding her groove on the island comes quickly, and almost immediately, she meets Andy Martindale. They quickly connect and he seems to be everything Nell has been looking for.
But why, after almost three months on the island, spending every free moment with him, has Andy not talked about a future together? Could her boss's warnings have been true? That Andy is unable to make a commitment?
"Nell" is a very introspective tale narrated by the MC, a divorced woman struggling with single parenting, supporting herself, and trying to find love again. The story is set in New England, mainly in Arlington, Cambridge, and Nantucket, sometime in the 1980s. The themes are familiar, but Nell's voice is very appealing. She could seem a bit narcissistic, focused on her issues constantly, but remember that this was set in a time before social networking, online groups, and all that those connections can bring. Isolation is more complete in such an era, and instead of writing a blog, a woman like Nell is forced to introspection during her time alone.
Which is why this story engaged me. Nell's dilemma is an age old one, not easily corrected, and without the connections most of us take for granted these days. As I headed toward the book's end, I suspected that Nell's solution would probably be one of acceptance. And living in the moment rather than projecting into the future. But could there be surprises ahead?
While the book was not my favorite by this author, it had the ingredients I have come to count on: delving into familiar issues, while showing the reader what the life of the characters looks like, from all the messy details of daily life to the flaws and foibles that make us able to relate to them. A little predictable, but comforting, this one earned 4 stars.
Life gradually changed for them, and then, unexpectedly, Marlow left Nell for her best friend Charlotte. In some ways, she felt more betrayed by Charlotte than she did by Marlow.
Five years later, Nell is still alone, struggling financially, working in a high end boutique in Cambridge, and moving from one lover to another, never seeming to find The One. She just wants to love someone, and have him love her in return. Is that too much to ask?
When Nell's boss Elizabeth asks her to manage the boutique on Nantucket for the summer, it seems impossible, but when Marlow agrees to take the children for two months, Nell sighs with relief.
Finding her groove on the island comes quickly, and almost immediately, she meets Andy Martindale. They quickly connect and he seems to be everything Nell has been looking for.
But why, after almost three months on the island, spending every free moment with him, has Andy not talked about a future together? Could her boss's warnings have been true? That Andy is unable to make a commitment?
"Nell" is a very introspective tale narrated by the MC, a divorced woman struggling with single parenting, supporting herself, and trying to find love again. The story is set in New England, mainly in Arlington, Cambridge, and Nantucket, sometime in the 1980s. The themes are familiar, but Nell's voice is very appealing. She could seem a bit narcissistic, focused on her issues constantly, but remember that this was set in a time before social networking, online groups, and all that those connections can bring. Isolation is more complete in such an era, and instead of writing a blog, a woman like Nell is forced to introspection during her time alone.
Which is why this story engaged me. Nell's dilemma is an age old one, not easily corrected, and without the connections most of us take for granted these days. As I headed toward the book's end, I suspected that Nell's solution would probably be one of acceptance. And living in the moment rather than projecting into the future. But could there be surprises ahead?
While the book was not my favorite by this author, it had the ingredients I have come to count on: delving into familiar issues, while showing the reader what the life of the characters looks like, from all the messy details of daily life to the flaws and foibles that make us able to relate to them. A little predictable, but comforting, this one earned 4 stars.
November 1, 2011
nell by nancy thayer, woman lives on nantucket island, after college she marries a leading man
and raises her children. he leaves her for another and she continues with dinner parties on the island
and contemplates with her panic attacks selling the house, taking the old trees down, and just being able to live there still.
life on the island, the nursery day care she starts up to survive and all her love interests over the years.
and raises her children. he leaves her for another and she continues with dinner parties on the island
and contemplates with her panic attacks selling the house, taking the old trees down, and just being able to live there still.
life on the island, the nursery day care she starts up to survive and all her love interests over the years.
May 31, 2015
A major disappointment
I usually love Nancy, but this one was tedious and endlessly repetitious. Being her first book, thank goodness she has grown and improved. Don't bother.
I usually love Nancy, but this one was tedious and endlessly repetitious. Being her first book, thank goodness she has grown and improved. Don't bother.
September 7, 2015
Tedious read, missing her usual humour.
April 10, 2016
The style of writing in this book was very different from her other books. It was quite beautiful and detailed. But overall, I found the story to be quite dull and slow moving.
May 12, 2016
Nancy Thayer writes about a single mom looking for love..does a great job expressing a woman's emoticons.a very satisfying read
August 3, 2011
Depressing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews