Home Safe

A Novel

By: Elizabeth Berg

Narrated by: Elizabeth Berg

Length: 8 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

In this new novel, beloved best-selling author Elizabeth Berg weaves a beautifully written and richly resonant story of a mother and daughter in emotional transit. Helen Ames - recently widowed, coping with loss and grief, unable to do the work that has always sustained her - is beginning to depend far too much on her 27-year-old daughter, Tessa, and is meddling in her life, offering unsolicited and unwelcome advice. Helen’s problems are compounded by her shocking discovery that her mild-mannered and loyal husband was apparently leading a double life.

The Ameses had painstakingly saved for a happy retirement, but that money disappeared in several large withdrawals made by Helen’s husband before he died. In order to support herself and garner a measure of much needed independence, Helen takes an unusual job that ends up offering far more than she had anticipated. And then a phone call from a stranger sets Helen on a surprising path of discovery that causes both mother and daughter to reassess what they thought they knew about each other, themselves, and what really makes a home and a family.

©2009 Elizabeth Berg (P)2009 Random House

Critic reviews

"Berg gracefully renders, in tragic and comic detail, the notions that every life - however blessed - has its share of awful loss, and that even crushed, defeated hearts can be revived." (Publishers Weekly)
"Berg is a tender and enchanting storyteller who wisely celebrates the simple, sustaining elements of life, from comfort food to birdsong to a good laugh." (Booklist)

Tell me a story Mommy,

I’m new to audio books (still put on my glasses to listen) but this was such a balm for my battered life that I can’t say thank you enough. will be back for more.

Another Personal Best for Berg

I love Berg's explorations of separation, change and loss, and the way she crafts the residue of big life seismic shifts into new life.
My only issue with her work is that her novels are not long enough.

Nice Story - Performance a bit irritating

I enjoyed the story, a woman that has to figure herself out on so many levels. I wish so much the author was not the narrator. I only continued to listen because I was cheering for the main character, but it was sure hard to listen to.

Not Elizabeth Berg’s Best

I found this to be slow, whiny and, yes, insipid. I loved every other novel Berg has ever written.

Love this Book! Elizabeth Berg is my new favorite! I am hooked.

Thank you for this story, it is funny, heartwarming and a depth that reaches your soul.

A Navel Gazer

My wife had just read this book and raved about it. Well - it has its appeal, but it ultimately left me feeling like I had spent a lot of time with a self-absorbed woman who was not all that interesting. Most of the book is spent inside her head listening to her inner dialog. The good news - it is very well written and tells a thoughtful story of a woman sorting out her life after the unexpected death of her husband.

wonderful story

I love the author reading such a beautiful story! you can really feel how the main character feels!

Typical Elizabeth Berg Novel

Many women enjoy her novels. I personally find them so-so. Her women usually come across as needing to be saved. This puts me off. By the end of the story they find out they can stand on their own.

Hmm. It was a book club selection, otherwise I would have passed.

Sweet

This is a beautiful story.

worst reader

the author was a boring reader. the main character was stupid. wanted to add cream at her. kept waiting for the book to get better. it did not. waste of money.