The Good House

A Novel

By: Ann Leary

Narrated by: Mary Beth Hurt

Length: 10 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

The Good House, by Ann Leary, is funny, poignant, and terrifying. A classic New England tale that lays bare the secrets of one little town, this spirited novel will stay with you long after the story has ended.

Now a major motion picture starring Sigourney Weaver and Kevin Kline!

Hildy Good is a townie. A lifelong resident of a small community on the rocky coast of Boston's North Shore, she knows pretty much everything about everyone. And she's good at lots of things, too. A successful real-estate broker, mother, and grandmother, her days are full. But her nights have become lonely ever since her daughters, convinced their mother was drinking too much, sent her off to rehab. Now she's in recovery—more or less.

Alone and feeling unjustly persecuted, Hildy finds a friend in Rebecca McAllister, one of the town's wealthy newcomers. Rebecca is grateful for the friendship and Hildy feels like a person of the world again, as she and Rebecca escape their worries with some harmless gossip and a bottle of wine by the fire—just one of their secrets.

But Rebecca is herself the subject of town gossip. When Frank Getchell, an old friend who shares a complicated history with Hildy, tries to warn her away from Rebecca, Hildy attempts to protect her friend from a potential scandal. Soon, however, Hildy is busy trying to protect her own reputation. When a cluster of secrets becomes dangerously entwined, the reckless behavior of one person threatens to expose the other, and this darkly comic novel takes a chilling turn.

©2012 Ann Leary (P)2013 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“Both Hildy's denial and her vulnerability are dramatized extremely well by narrator Mary Beth Hurt. Hurt deftly portrays Hildy's tendency to hide her alcoholism under a veneer of polished perfection; she's a woman who can deal with anyone's problems but her own. As the novel continues, the listener feels the pain of Hildy's breakdown and relapse in Hurt's Delivery, so well does she depict Leary's beautifully plotted story.” —AudioFile Magazine, Earphones Award winner

“The Good House is told in first person, which makes it an ideal audiobook – especially in the hands of reader Mary Beth Hurt, who simultaneously portrays Hildy as smart, funny, prickly, sympathetic and – well, pathetic.” —The Star-Ledger

“Mary Beth Hurt does a fantastic job bringing Hildy to life vocally in all her facets…The author is talented and the reader adept; they have created a comprehensively compelling audio experience.” —New World Review

Goodwasgood

A good book, there was a lull for a bit with a couple parts lasting maybe longer than they should. I wonder if I read it instead of listened to it if I would have wanted to continue our book club read? I did enjoy listening and it felt like Hildi was sharing a story with me and keeping me company while I completed my daily home tasks. It was interesting how aware and how well Hildi read people and still didn’t know her husband was gay. There appeared to be plenty of subtleties in front of her. Maybe denial like her drinking? She blamed having to earn a living on her lack of time she gave to her kids when they were young. I like all of the neat connections between her family who was of the original settlers of the Salem area, right down to her office location. Two interesting character comparisons that remind us not to judge a book by its cover are Rebecca and Frank. Rebecca outwardly appeared flawless and perfect while she was a bit of a mess inside. Frank was an outward disaster who internally was a great person with a bottomless heart He ended up being the most solid character in the book, a quiet confidence that existed since his teen years.

Narrator was the best the part of the book

Where does The Good House rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Definitely one of my favorites.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Hildy, she feels like someone every town has. Love her!

Have you listened to any of Mary Beth Hurt’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have listened to any of her other books, but I will definitely look for her narrated books.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

I think this would make a great movie

good book

good book that was able to keep my attention. no other words to add now

Old town gossip & personal failability

Initially I wasn't excited about this book because the reviews had not been great but it was wonderful. The author, Ann Leary, must have lived in an alcoholic hom to u dear stand how it can be truly perfect and a nightmare all in one day. The narrarotor Mary Beth Hurt bring the characters to life and can move with shameless ease from a male to female.
This story is told over Hilda Good's lifetime, through her eyes with opinions given by those closest to her. Hilda, also tells the town history. By the end of the story, Hilda has learned a few things about herself and if you didn't like her at the beginning, you will by the end. You may even find you want to spend a few more nights at the Good House.

Wonderful characters

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes Yes Yes Its a book you don't want to have an ending.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Hildy of course. What a study in denial.

What does Mary Beth Hurt bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She sounds just like I vision Hildy

Who was the most memorable character of The Good House and why?

Frank- He just kept being himself and hanging in there.

Any additional comments?

Lovely human insight.

What a delightful listen

What did you love best about The Good House?

Without a doubt, Mary Beth, the narrator, brought Hilde alive. The humor in the story is great. I look forward to future books by Ann. In the meantime, I'm going to search for more books narrated by Mary Beth....she made Hilde a hoot!

Loved this book

I loved this book and was sorry when it was over. The narrator was excellent!

better than 3, not as good as 4 stars

The story and narrator are a little better than average, but not good enough for me to look for more by them. It's ok, I finished it, but there were parts when I thought of giving up.

By far one of my favorite audiobooks

Great book- the narrator did a spectacular job. I did not want it to end.

One of My Favorites

Any additional comments?

I loved this book. Hilda the alcoholic real estate agent is a real "character". She does all the wacky things alcoholics do to cover up their drinking. I haven't seen a character so well drawn in a long time. I grew up in New England and could feel the atmosphere of a small New England town. Read the other 5 star reviews and they will fill you in on what a great find this book is.