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Lori
The sheltered, comfortable, liberal upbringing undergone by main character Lori in the North Shore suburbs of Chicago did not prepare her for marriage into the difficult and quirky Chicago working-class family of her husband, Jerry. Alcoholism, infidelity, economic disaster, and a mother’s biggest heartbreak of all-a seriously ill child-imperil Lori’s world in the novel LORI. Fortunately, her best friend, Adele, is there to provide support and advice until Adele faces her own tragedy. When separated from Adele by thousands of miles, Lori finds a new friend, Rain-an ex-flower-child with a surprising connection to Lori’s past. LORI is a story with tragedies and triumphs to which every reader will be able to relate.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 6, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 15, 2014
Many thanks and appreciation to author Charlene Wexler for the signed ARC of her book "Lori" for the purpose of this review. The first noticeable thing about this engaging book, is that it reads somewhat like a memoir that focuses on the life of Lori, who is particularly challenged to deal with many of life adversities. This is Wexler's forth novel.
The story opens in 1970, when Lori marries into a large Northfield Chicago observant Jewish family. Her husband, Jerry Brill worked with his brother in a family business, and Lori was a teacher. Eventually Lori and Jerry had two children, and the difficulties they faced were largely related to dysfunctional and troubled family relationships.
The Brill's disowned Ellen, a lesbian daughter/sister. Jerry's mother Shelly was portrayed as rude, controlling, and obnoxious. Jerry was conflicted and torn between loyalty to his mother and his wife, and there was little effort to promote a stronger family unity.
Jerry was a functional alcoholic, and although the depth of his emotions weren't fully explored as Lori's, he was just as scarred by grief and loss. One of the greatest accomplishments of the novel was by their son Barry, who was accepted in med school and became a doctor.
Lori's lifelong best friend Adele remained an anchor and support for her after she had a breakdown, following a tragic loss. When Jerry and Lori relocated to Arizona, Lori developed a new friendship with Rain, who had surprising links to Lori's life in Chicago. Jerry and Lori enjoyed a brief loving renewal of their 30 plus year marriage, with Jerry's newfound sobriety.
Another story theme centered around Lori's lack of relationship with her cold, distant, rejecting, mother. After her mother's death, Lori's need for greater understanding of her family dynamic took her on a journey abroad to Germany. There she learned of her family history traced to the Holocaust, which involved persecution by the Nazi's, where members of her family perished at Auschwitz. It was unclear if Lori remained observant of her Jewish faith and heritage. The story illustrates Lori's move forward with her life, rising above the hardship, dysfunction, and misfortune.
Charlene Wexler is an award winning novelist, her short stories and essays have appeared in a variety of publications in the US and Great Britain. She lives with her husband in the area of Chicago, Illinois.
The story opens in 1970, when Lori marries into a large Northfield Chicago observant Jewish family. Her husband, Jerry Brill worked with his brother in a family business, and Lori was a teacher. Eventually Lori and Jerry had two children, and the difficulties they faced were largely related to dysfunctional and troubled family relationships.
The Brill's disowned Ellen, a lesbian daughter/sister. Jerry's mother Shelly was portrayed as rude, controlling, and obnoxious. Jerry was conflicted and torn between loyalty to his mother and his wife, and there was little effort to promote a stronger family unity.
Jerry was a functional alcoholic, and although the depth of his emotions weren't fully explored as Lori's, he was just as scarred by grief and loss. One of the greatest accomplishments of the novel was by their son Barry, who was accepted in med school and became a doctor.
Lori's lifelong best friend Adele remained an anchor and support for her after she had a breakdown, following a tragic loss. When Jerry and Lori relocated to Arizona, Lori developed a new friendship with Rain, who had surprising links to Lori's life in Chicago. Jerry and Lori enjoyed a brief loving renewal of their 30 plus year marriage, with Jerry's newfound sobriety.
Another story theme centered around Lori's lack of relationship with her cold, distant, rejecting, mother. After her mother's death, Lori's need for greater understanding of her family dynamic took her on a journey abroad to Germany. There she learned of her family history traced to the Holocaust, which involved persecution by the Nazi's, where members of her family perished at Auschwitz. It was unclear if Lori remained observant of her Jewish faith and heritage. The story illustrates Lori's move forward with her life, rising above the hardship, dysfunction, and misfortune.
Charlene Wexler is an award winning novelist, her short stories and essays have appeared in a variety of publications in the US and Great Britain. She lives with her husband in the area of Chicago, Illinois.
July 21, 2015
I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway from Charlene Wexler. Thank you for allowing me to read this book!
I gave this book a 3-1/2 stars. The story was interesting, the writing flowed smoothly, and Chicago came alive through Charlene Wexler's words, but the protagonist Lori was very hard to like. Through the first half of the book, she was a self centered whiner, and it was difficult to find sympathy for her until her daughter became ill. I would have liked her a lot better if she had used that experience to expand herself - become a better mom, a more understanding wife and daughter, try to interact with her in-laws. It was still an interesting book, and I am glad that I read it.
I gave this book a 3-1/2 stars. The story was interesting, the writing flowed smoothly, and Chicago came alive through Charlene Wexler's words, but the protagonist Lori was very hard to like. Through the first half of the book, she was a self centered whiner, and it was difficult to find sympathy for her until her daughter became ill. I would have liked her a lot better if she had used that experience to expand herself - become a better mom, a more understanding wife and daughter, try to interact with her in-laws. It was still an interesting book, and I am glad that I read it.
May 20, 2018
A woman's life is complicated. Concentrating a novel around a woman is as risky as the proverbial Democles Sword. Finding the right balance is the authors largest challenge. Charlene Wexler has ventured into such an arena and has come out as a winner.
Lori a girl full of life, a woman who is carefree, a lady who doesn't believe in the materialistic beauty and a daughter who had everything but love. The character is all about realism. Lori meets Jerry, a guy who belongs to the working class and whose family is everything that Lori's isn't. Jerry indulges in alcohol, which ends him up as an alcoholic. Blessed with two adorable kids, Lori tries to find balance in her life. At an unexpected hour Lori realises that her daughter Julie has cancer. In all her ups and downs, her childhood friend Adele and her husband Jim stands as a support system. The relation between the four of them is deep complicated yet simple. Further, how Lori deals with the demons of her life is what directs the rest of the book.
The style of narration is what hooks the reader to the book. Each character is given a due space. The readers would not forget any character no matter how small the space given. However the emotional side of Jerry is not explored to the fullest since the whole plot is revolving around Lori. The pace of the book is kept moderate and hence enhances the realistic face of the book.
The book is quite large. Some of the details are delved too much that it might be tad bit lagging for the readers. The character of Rain and the part with her father could have avoided since by then the readers would have been almost done by then. Nonetheless, the readers would be forced to hook on to the book to know what is left for Lori.
Lori a girl full of life, a woman who is carefree, a lady who doesn't believe in the materialistic beauty and a daughter who had everything but love. The character is all about realism. Lori meets Jerry, a guy who belongs to the working class and whose family is everything that Lori's isn't. Jerry indulges in alcohol, which ends him up as an alcoholic. Blessed with two adorable kids, Lori tries to find balance in her life. At an unexpected hour Lori realises that her daughter Julie has cancer. In all her ups and downs, her childhood friend Adele and her husband Jim stands as a support system. The relation between the four of them is deep complicated yet simple. Further, how Lori deals with the demons of her life is what directs the rest of the book.
The style of narration is what hooks the reader to the book. Each character is given a due space. The readers would not forget any character no matter how small the space given. However the emotional side of Jerry is not explored to the fullest since the whole plot is revolving around Lori. The pace of the book is kept moderate and hence enhances the realistic face of the book.
The book is quite large. Some of the details are delved too much that it might be tad bit lagging for the readers. The character of Rain and the part with her father could have avoided since by then the readers would have been almost done by then. Nonetheless, the readers would be forced to hook on to the book to know what is left for Lori.
October 26, 2014
Excellent family saga. Took us through the last quarter of the 20th Century, dealing with issues such as cancer, infidelity, financial ruin, and more through the eyes of one brave woman.
November 13, 2014
Award Winning Author Releases Yet Another Unable-To-Put-Down Read—A Family Saga Begging To Know More!
December 12, 2016
I quite enjoyed this. It did get a bit blah hearing the same thing over and over. It is always a tough place when marriage isn't going as expected and stuff.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews