Goldberg Variations

A Novel

By: Susan Isaacs

Narrated by: Susan Torren, Rachel Botchen, Morgan Hallett, Jonathan Todd Ross

Length: 11 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

The ultimate novel of family dysfunction from New York Times best-selling author Susan Isaacs, combining her trademark sass and wit, her distinctive characters, with reflections on faith, family, and inheritance that both entertain and enlighten.

Gloria Garrison nee Goldberg isn't getting any younger. At 79, it's time for her to plan for the future of Glory, Inc., the Santa Fe-based beauty makeover business that Gloria has grown from zilch into an 11-million-a-year bonanza.

But now Gloria has alienated her former business partner and chosen successor. Who will take over Glory? Gloria's never been big on family and wrote them all out of her will, but suddenly she must contemplate her three grandkids as possible candidates.

There's 29-year-old Daisy, a New York story editor for a movie studio. Her brother, 27-year-old Matt, does sports PR. He can charm his way around ball players, the press, and a flurry of women. And there's gutsy Raquel, who at age 25 is laboring away as a Legal Aid lawyer. She's Catholic and a Goldberg and proud of it.

When Gloria sends business-class tickets to tempt the three grandkids for a visit, they couldn't be more surprised. Stranger still is the revelation that one of them and only one, may be offered the chance to inherit Glory.

Always sassy, smart, and wickedly witty, Susan Isaacs is at her formidable best in a novel that is both hilariously funny and a deeply moving tale of family, faith, and reconciliation.

©2012 Susan Isaacs (P)2012 Simon & Schuster, Inc.

Not my favorite of hers

Did the narrators do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

I have to admit I didn't like the narrators for Daisy & Raquel - they sounded too much alike, and I'd sometimes lose track of who was talking.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

I think this would actually make a better movie than it was a book - it felt like a screenplay in terms of scope.

Any additional comments?

Overall I'd had to say this one just didn't pull me along much - it was a bit of a struggle to finish. I do really like Susan Isaacs though, but if you're looking for something of hers to read for the first time, I'd suggest one of her other books.

Very Enjoyable on audio

Would you consider the audio edition of Goldberg Variations to be better than the print version?

yes loved the change in characters

Would you be willing to try another book from Susan Isaacs? Why or why not?

yes

Which scene was your favorite?

meeting the grandchildren for the first time

If you could rename Goldberg Variations, what would you call it?

Goldberg Legacies

Any additional comments?

The grandmother narrator fabulous. You had a perfect picture in your mind of her.

Goldberg Variations.....better music than novel

What disappointed you about Goldberg Variations?

I expected something to compare with J K Rowling's A Casual Vacancy. Oh my no such luck...

What could Susan Isaacs have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Probably she should begin again. Maybe take a writing course.....

What three words best describe the narrators’s performance?

OK Considering Content

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

No

Any additional comments?

I will never buy another Susan Isaacs book. I don't understand why she is a bestselling author.