The Obituary Writer

By: Ann Hood

Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert

From best-selling author Ann Hood comes a sophisticated and suspenseful novel about the poignant lives of two women living in different eras.

On the day John F. Kennedy is inaugurated, Claire, a young wife and mother obsessed with the glamour of Jackie, struggles over the decision of whether to stay in a loveless but secure marriage or to follow the man she loves and whose baby she may be carrying. Decades earlier, in 1919, Vivien Lowe, an obituary writer, is searching for her lover, who disappeared in the Great San Francisco Earthquake of 1906. By telling the stories of the dead, Vivien not only helps others cope with their grief but also begins to understand the devastation of her own terrible loss. The surprising connection between these two women will change Claire’s life in unexpected and extraordinary ways.

Part literary mystery and part love story, The Obituary Writer examines expectations of marriage and love, the roles of wives and mothers, and the emotions of grief, regret, and hope.

©2013 Ann Hood (P)2013 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

The book was a relaxing read

Wonderfully written book. Ann Hood blends the lives of two women related in marriage into a story of how we need to live our lives for today instead of trying to holding onto the dreams of what may never have happened.

A delightful plum of a novel

Would you consider the audio edition of The Obituary Writer to be better than the print version?

I'm not sure if it's better, but it certainly works really well in audio. Some literary stories don't translate well, but THE OBITUARY WRITER comes to life.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I liked Birdie. I really connected with her.

Have you listened to any of Tavia Gilbert’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is my first full book listening to Gilbert. She's pretty terrific. Her reading has a little affectation to it, but it works well for this piece so maybe it's intended. Her male characters all sounded very similar (with exception of the Italian), but since there weren't many men in the same scene they were easy to differentiate.

If you could rename The Obituary Writer, what would you call it?

It's the perfect title.

Any additional comments?

I love Ann Hood's writing and this is one of her best.

Well crafted story

This book draws you with its wonderfully woven tail of life in 2 different decades.

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Quick read. Hokey at times.

This was a light quick read. Liked the intertwining of historical events throughout the book. Did find the story to be a little predictable and hokey at times but otherwise a great tale.