Isabels Bed *P

by Elinor Lipman

[Jane]

I can't believe I never wrote up a review for this! It's not even on my own blog. :/

This book wound up being one of my favorites. It's slow to get into, but it's the kind you need to read the first 200 pages of for it to start getting good -- and if you go into it having any thoughts about what you'll think about it, you'll be disappointed. "Isabel's Bed" requires an open mind. It's not going to be overtly sexual. It's humorous, more so after the half mark. Isabel's a hoot, and Harriet's a seedling coming into full bloom.

The ending is an unexpected, yet pleasant, one -- it was refreshing, actually, how I was unable to predict how it'd turn out. I adore that in a book.

If you despise subtle, slow-unwinding plots which edge and edge you until the conclusion, this book won't be ever in your favor.