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Becoming Nora
Becoming Nora explores how unexamined pasts and repressed emotions can simmer beneath a seemingly ordinary and happy marriage. Until the day her husband shattered her world with the news that he was unhappy and wanted a separation, Nora Stanton had been sure her life was settled, perfect in fact. At age forty, they had good careers, a nice house, and two children-just as planned. Had she concocted an image of a happy family? How had she been so oblivious? Nora is forced to face her misconceptions and to uncover parts of herself that had gotten buried in the day-to-day containment of her marriage. As she learns to free herself, she finds herself making choices the old Nora could not have imagined.
- GenresFictionLiterary Fiction
410 pages, Paperback
Published August 6, 2021
40 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Farrell Kirby
1 book6 followersMargaret Kirby retired in 2012 after a career of working with homeless individuals in Washington DC. Following her retirement, she enrolled in writing classes and invested time in pursuing creative writing.
Margaret is inspired by authors of character-driven novels—Anne Tyler, Elizabeth Berg, Anna Quindlen and others—who take time to explore the inner thoughts and motivations of their protagonists and hopes that her book might appeal to readers who enjoy their work.
Becoming Nora is a 2022 Independent Press Award Distinguished Favorite in the category of
Literary Fiction.
For more information about the book, visit www.margaretkirby.com.
Margaret is inspired by authors of character-driven novels—Anne Tyler, Elizabeth Berg, Anna Quindlen and others—who take time to explore the inner thoughts and motivations of their protagonists and hopes that her book might appeal to readers who enjoy their work.
Becoming Nora is a 2022 Independent Press Award Distinguished Favorite in the category of
Literary Fiction.
For more information about the book, visit www.margaretkirby.com.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 14, 2022
I enjoyed this book, though I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re someone who likes to read action-packed novels — this definitely wasn’t that. But it was well-written and I really wasn’t sure how it was going to end, so it kept me interested. I also enjoyed the little references to Rehoboth (and I believe the author is part of a writer’s guild there.)
June 27, 2022
I read this book because I was curious about the author who started writing later in life. The writing is tight, almost at times claustrophobic. We are given a blow-by-blow account of a young married couple, Brad and Nora and their two children.
Without any real warning, Nora is blindsided by Brad, and in a split second their lives are put into a turnaround. Brad and Nora and both left floundering from the shock, but are forced into separation. Each takes different paths, and over the course of three years to get themselves back to some stability. There is much heartbreak, and many breakthroughs as these two navigate being apart and learning to deal with their lives, and their children.
What is great about Kirby’s book, is that she really does put the reader through what probably is very real to many people who are faced with difficult decisions with long-lasting effects. Nora is particularly indecisive, and Brad is more controlled. There is also problems with the kids. and some unexpected consequences to Nora's dating.
My only criticism was that it was a bit padded with family trips to and from one house to another. Family dinners, etc. I think as the author is so good with writing about human dynamics, I would like to have had more information about the boyfriend Nora had during her marriage hiatus. I do like that the author really emphasized the growth of both characters, and drove home the point that people can change and grow over time given they work at their issues.
Thank you NetGalley for another reading experience.
Without any real warning, Nora is blindsided by Brad, and in a split second their lives are put into a turnaround. Brad and Nora and both left floundering from the shock, but are forced into separation. Each takes different paths, and over the course of three years to get themselves back to some stability. There is much heartbreak, and many breakthroughs as these two navigate being apart and learning to deal with their lives, and their children.
What is great about Kirby’s book, is that she really does put the reader through what probably is very real to many people who are faced with difficult decisions with long-lasting effects. Nora is particularly indecisive, and Brad is more controlled. There is also problems with the kids. and some unexpected consequences to Nora's dating.
My only criticism was that it was a bit padded with family trips to and from one house to another. Family dinners, etc. I think as the author is so good with writing about human dynamics, I would like to have had more information about the boyfriend Nora had during her marriage hiatus. I do like that the author really emphasized the growth of both characters, and drove home the point that people can change and grow over time given they work at their issues.
Thank you NetGalley for another reading experience.
April 25, 2024
Easy comfortable read
This was a easy comfortable read because I felt like I already knew these people. I felt like I had already seen this movie. I enjoyed reading it though. I spent an entire day doing nothing but reading this book. It was good. It was all put together well, I like the characters , and I liked that they seemed mostly realistic, not just cardboard cut outs of people. It was a good book. It was not a romance or love story, but it was about people who really loved each other and really tried to make a life. I hadn’t read this author before, but I will look for things from her again.
This was a easy comfortable read because I felt like I already knew these people. I felt like I had already seen this movie. I enjoyed reading it though. I spent an entire day doing nothing but reading this book. It was good. It was all put together well, I like the characters , and I liked that they seemed mostly realistic, not just cardboard cut outs of people. It was a good book. It was not a romance or love story, but it was about people who really loved each other and really tried to make a life. I hadn’t read this author before, but I will look for things from her again.
August 4, 2022
Nora changed a lot after Brad left her even though after so many years of marriage and to just say he needed to leave. I enjoyed the book but I have to say that I did not like the ending.
June 17, 2022
Nora and her family are on their last day of their annual two-week vacation, when her husband Brad tells her he has been unhappy, been seeing a therapist, and wants to take a break from their marriage. Nora is completely blindsided, while Brad has thought everything out. He thought he would stay in their guest room until he found a place to live, and when Nora thought about it, she said no. You want to leave, then you leave now.
This is Nora's journey, of going through the pain of separation, picking up the pieces of her life, and facing not only the present but also her past. Her journey takes her through many levels, as she looks at her past she sees things a little different, as she looks at the present, she wants different things because of what she has learned, and going through this part of her journey, and seeing how she ends up.
Becoming Nora is the perfect title, because we see her becoming the person that she is meant to be, instead of a people pleaser, being responsible for others happiness, and all the other things she has learned. Reading the book gave me insight on different ways of dealing with a separation. Some of it, I even am going to apply to my own life, without the separation.
I received an ARC from Proving Press through NetGalley.
This is Nora's journey, of going through the pain of separation, picking up the pieces of her life, and facing not only the present but also her past. Her journey takes her through many levels, as she looks at her past she sees things a little different, as she looks at the present, she wants different things because of what she has learned, and going through this part of her journey, and seeing how she ends up.
Becoming Nora is the perfect title, because we see her becoming the person that she is meant to be, instead of a people pleaser, being responsible for others happiness, and all the other things she has learned. Reading the book gave me insight on different ways of dealing with a separation. Some of it, I even am going to apply to my own life, without the separation.
I received an ARC from Proving Press through NetGalley.
April 19, 2024
Natural dialogue and flow of the story. Realistic, and made me relate to Nora. I recommend this book!
October 10, 2023
On the last day of their family holiday Nora is totally blind sided by her husband's revelation that he is very unhappy with family life, has been seeing a therapist and plans to leave shortly after they return home as he "needs space." He seems oblivious to the "bomb" he has set off and naively thinks somehow Nora will be fine with it. She had no idea how he was feeling and was caught up int he routines of family life and juggling that with her job as a kindergarten teacher. I was fascinated to read about this scenario as it is one that is very familiar to me. The couple are younger (late 30's) than friends who have been in similar situations in their late 40's or 50's. They also don't seem to have any financial difficulties which helps matters enormously.
The story follows Nora through her day to day life as she feels shock, grief, anger, acceptance and tries to hold her family together. I felt the story faltered a bit towards the end. The diary type exposition of retelling how Nora cooked dinner etc. became a bit tiresome. and slowed the narrative pace in the latter third. However, I pretty much devoured this book. I really felt for Nora and the sometimes poor but very human decisionsshe made. It felt realistic about how things in life are pretty messy and that we never really get full answers to our questions or insight into what is going on in another's mind..
I wasn't going to choose this book as I disliked the cover - it look's like a Hallmark card or illustration from "People's Friend" magazine but I'm really glad I read the full description of what it is about, as for me, it was a real page turner.
The story follows Nora through her day to day life as she feels shock, grief, anger, acceptance and tries to hold her family together. I felt the story faltered a bit towards the end. The diary type exposition of retelling how Nora cooked dinner etc. became a bit tiresome. and slowed the narrative pace in the latter third. However, I pretty much devoured this book. I really felt for Nora and the sometimes poor but very human decisionsshe made. It felt realistic about how things in life are pretty messy and that we never really get full answers to our questions or insight into what is going on in another's mind..
I wasn't going to choose this book as I disliked the cover - it look's like a Hallmark card or illustration from "People's Friend" magazine but I'm really glad I read the full description of what it is about, as for me, it was a real page turner.
November 27, 2022
In Becoming Nora, the author tells the story of Brad and Nora Stanton, a couple whose marriage has gone off the tracks. Brad announces he needs time to work through things and has begun therapy. Nora is in shock over the revelation, certain it's because of another woman. He assures her it is not. Nevertheless, she is devastated and furious. She is left to care for the children and to manage everything on her own. She believes their marriage was perfectly fine and blames all her current problems on Brad's sudden decision to move out.
The relationship continues for years in a state of limbo. They are married but separated. In the midst of finding a way to make it work, shuttling their children back and forth, Nora meets another man. After several months of keeping it a secret, she eventually tells everyone. By that time, she realizes what she has done. Not only has she had an affair with a man she does not love, but she is pregnant.
The story is compelling and reads somewhat like a fictionalized case study of an actual marriage. It ends on a hopeful note, though it is obvious the family will continue to face conflict. Mainly, the courage to face one's past, with the help of a therapist, is what brings them closer to each other and working toward a resolution. Through the separation and through addressing her issues, Nora establishes her individuality.
The relationship continues for years in a state of limbo. They are married but separated. In the midst of finding a way to make it work, shuttling their children back and forth, Nora meets another man. After several months of keeping it a secret, she eventually tells everyone. By that time, she realizes what she has done. Not only has she had an affair with a man she does not love, but she is pregnant.
The story is compelling and reads somewhat like a fictionalized case study of an actual marriage. It ends on a hopeful note, though it is obvious the family will continue to face conflict. Mainly, the courage to face one's past, with the help of a therapist, is what brings them closer to each other and working toward a resolution. Through the separation and through addressing her issues, Nora establishes her individuality.
June 14, 2022
Kirby wastes no time catching the readers attention! Poor Nora goes from a life of bliss to a life of “what in all the world” just happened. But as with all things in life, until we deal with our own issues nothing external will truly satisfy us. Will Nora decide to face Nora or will she wallow in heartbreak? I love books that reflect true character development because it draws you in. “Becoming Nora” is a very real portrayal of family… who as we know put the “fun” in dysfunction!
September 28, 2024
Nora is blindsided by Brad's revelation that he was unhappy and wanted a separation. Brad had time to think things through and decide what he wanted and Nora was just left to react.
The story takes place over three years as they navigate their new lives, but it's mostly focused on Nora. She is alternately angry and depressed, she tries dating, she and Brad have to navigate teenage angst. Nora worries way too much about what other people think of her, but she does seem to grow more of a backbone (especially with Brad) as she grows more accustomed to her single life.
The book does get a bit bogged down by mundane details of daily life, making it drag at times. In contrast, there are some major consequences to Nora's dating life that seem too glossed over, everything was a bit too easy and I don't think it would play out that way in real life.
Brad and Nora's financial situation is not mentioned at all, which I found strange. Brad is an accountant and Nora's a teacher, they can't be making that much money. During the separation, Nora lives in their four bedroom house and Brad rents a three bedroom apartment, how are they paying for that? Finances are almost always an issue when couples split up, and it did the story a disservice not to address that.
The story takes place over three years as they navigate their new lives, but it's mostly focused on Nora. She is alternately angry and depressed, she tries dating, she and Brad have to navigate teenage angst. Nora worries way too much about what other people think of her, but she does seem to grow more of a backbone (especially with Brad) as she grows more accustomed to her single life.
The book does get a bit bogged down by mundane details of daily life, making it drag at times. In contrast, there are some major consequences to Nora's dating life that seem too glossed over, everything was a bit too easy and I don't think it would play out that way in real life.
Brad and Nora's financial situation is not mentioned at all, which I found strange. Brad is an accountant and Nora's a teacher, they can't be making that much money. During the separation, Nora lives in their four bedroom house and Brad rents a three bedroom apartment, how are they paying for that? Finances are almost always an issue when couples split up, and it did the story a disservice not to address that.
August 24, 2022
Becoming Nora was a surprising novel about a married couple who suddenly reached a breaking point in their marriage. Brad drops a bomb at the end of the family's annual two-week vacation at the beach. Brad shatters Nora's life when he tells her he needs a break and wants to move out. Nora is a kindergarten teacher, and Brad is an accountant. Though they have different approaches to life, Nora always believes in their love. Now, left with Jack and Claire to manage along with a full-time teaching job, Nora has to navigate through her life with a broken heart and huge doubts about herself not being lovable.
Nora has never-ending opportunities as a 21st-century woman to create life as she wants. The usual stress of living in two homes tears at Jack and Claire, but I think Nora handles it all brilliantly. With the help of her best friend, Ann, Nora puts herself back together and faces life, a new life, with much courage and strength. MFK does a brilliant job of creating a real-life Nora, a woman with multifaceted possibilities in today's world.
Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and the publisher for this ARC.
Nora has never-ending opportunities as a 21st-century woman to create life as she wants. The usual stress of living in two homes tears at Jack and Claire, but I think Nora handles it all brilliantly. With the help of her best friend, Ann, Nora puts herself back together and faces life, a new life, with much courage and strength. MFK does a brilliant job of creating a real-life Nora, a woman with multifaceted possibilities in today's world.
Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and the publisher for this ARC.
May 16, 2022
It's Nora's last day of vacation. She'd never guessed her husband would choose that moment to say the most famous words. I need some time.
Surprise and hurt will overwhelm her at the beginning, But as time goes by, she becomes able to examine her marriage under a different approach. And her life starts to move on. It will be a period full of growing and understanding. But mostly, a time to allow herself to become a truest Nora.
I absolutely enjoyed reading this book. It's well written and the warm emanating from all the characters is fabulous. Even if I fell in love with some of them, I must say I couldn't feel bad about any of the others. There's some inner empathy that's unusual to find when reading these kind of stories.
The author made a great job developing Nora's character.
Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Surprise and hurt will overwhelm her at the beginning, But as time goes by, she becomes able to examine her marriage under a different approach. And her life starts to move on. It will be a period full of growing and understanding. But mostly, a time to allow herself to become a truest Nora.
I absolutely enjoyed reading this book. It's well written and the warm emanating from all the characters is fabulous. Even if I fell in love with some of them, I must say I couldn't feel bad about any of the others. There's some inner empathy that's unusual to find when reading these kind of stories.
The author made a great job developing Nora's character.
Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 2, 2022
Becoming Nora paints an intimate portrait of the complexities of marriage/relationships. A middle-aged woman's life changes in a moment when she discovers that her long-time husband wants a separation.
Like good literary fiction should, Becoming Nora features multi-dimensional characters and a plot that echoes the twists and turns of real life. Kirby avoids tropes and stereotypes, and instead crafts a world that many will find identifiable.
Like good literary fiction should, Becoming Nora features multi-dimensional characters and a plot that echoes the twists and turns of real life. Kirby avoids tropes and stereotypes, and instead crafts a world that many will find identifiable.
October 24, 2021
Reading a book that your friend has written is special. Margaret explores the questions that most married women face how do you know who you are when you give so much of yourself away to husband and children and jobs and parents. Very enjoyable read
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July 19, 2023Excerpt of a Review of Becoming Nora by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite:
Becoming Nora is a profoundly rich and moving portrait of losing yourself and becoming your own person in equal measure. It's a gripping story filled with the ups and downs of marriage that's masterfully constructed. Nora's development entranced me. This remarkable story explores the cost of not developing a solid identity and not expressing your wants and needs in your marriage. Margaret Farrell Kirby compels us to contemplate the complex dynamics of marriage and family life. Between relatable marriage issues, inspiring character development, and plot twists, this is a book to treasure and share. It especially reminds married women with kids to stop feeling responsible for other people's happiness or to make things right for everyone.
From The Book Commentary: Reviewed By: Romuald Dzemo
Reviewed Date: May 12, 2023
Category: Fiction - Literary
Becoming Nora by Margaret Farrell Kirby is a compelling narrative that follows Nora as she faces the part of her that has remained buried over the years. This nuanced and intelligently crafted tale presents Brad and Nora Stanton as they navigate the most crucial moment of their lives. Everything has been perfect for Nora — a seemingly happy marriage, a great career, and lovely kids. That is until her husband tells her that he is unhappy and needs time to sort things out. Nora is shocked. She is even stunned that her husband has already started therapy. Is it because of another woman? Left behind to take care of the kids, Nora begins to unravel her own life. She makes choices that will alter the course of her life in far many ways than she could have imagined. But having an affair and falling for someone she doesn't love just increases the stakes.
Kirby offers a dazzling picture of a family going through emotional challenges as the parents face divorce. The key character is Nora and the author does an impeccable job in portraying her reactions to situations and what prompts her to make choices that are devastating for her and her family. The writing is infused with humanity and realism. The characters, from Nora to Brad to the two kids are elaborately written. The story of this family feels so real that readers can easily picture them next door. This author writes with emotional and psychological depth, creating characters that are multilayered and compelling, delivering prose that is enjoyable and a world that feels familiar to readers. Overall, Becoming Nora is a winner for fans of fiction that deals with family and social issues.
Becoming Nora is a profoundly rich and moving portrait of losing yourself and becoming your own person in equal measure. It's a gripping story filled with the ups and downs of marriage that's masterfully constructed. Nora's development entranced me. This remarkable story explores the cost of not developing a solid identity and not expressing your wants and needs in your marriage. Margaret Farrell Kirby compels us to contemplate the complex dynamics of marriage and family life. Between relatable marriage issues, inspiring character development, and plot twists, this is a book to treasure and share. It especially reminds married women with kids to stop feeling responsible for other people's happiness or to make things right for everyone.
From The Book Commentary: Reviewed By: Romuald Dzemo
Reviewed Date: May 12, 2023
Category: Fiction - Literary
Becoming Nora by Margaret Farrell Kirby is a compelling narrative that follows Nora as she faces the part of her that has remained buried over the years. This nuanced and intelligently crafted tale presents Brad and Nora Stanton as they navigate the most crucial moment of their lives. Everything has been perfect for Nora — a seemingly happy marriage, a great career, and lovely kids. That is until her husband tells her that he is unhappy and needs time to sort things out. Nora is shocked. She is even stunned that her husband has already started therapy. Is it because of another woman? Left behind to take care of the kids, Nora begins to unravel her own life. She makes choices that will alter the course of her life in far many ways than she could have imagined. But having an affair and falling for someone she doesn't love just increases the stakes.
Kirby offers a dazzling picture of a family going through emotional challenges as the parents face divorce. The key character is Nora and the author does an impeccable job in portraying her reactions to situations and what prompts her to make choices that are devastating for her and her family. The writing is infused with humanity and realism. The characters, from Nora to Brad to the two kids are elaborately written. The story of this family feels so real that readers can easily picture them next door. This author writes with emotional and psychological depth, creating characters that are multilayered and compelling, delivering prose that is enjoyable and a world that feels familiar to readers. Overall, Becoming Nora is a winner for fans of fiction that deals with family and social issues.
May 25, 2024
Well written and character driven. My favorite kind of story. Nora was real and could live on any street in middle America. Even when the book went the one place i wished it wouldn't go, it was handle with grace and style. Hope this writer writes more books. I would read them for sure.
July 8, 2024
Great story
This was a wonderful story of a woman coming to age at 40! It gives hope to the rest of us. Nora could have handled her challenges so much differently, thus making the conclusion much less enjoyable. I'm looking forward to reading more work by Ms. Kirby.
This was a wonderful story of a woman coming to age at 40! It gives hope to the rest of us. Nora could have handled her challenges so much differently, thus making the conclusion much less enjoyable. I'm looking forward to reading more work by Ms. Kirby.
September 9, 2022
DNF. This is not my favorite genre anyway, throw in a ditzy main character and what should be a relaxing read turns into an effort. The writing was just too detailed for me, and I didn't care about the characters.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews