Search - Ladder of Years

A woman leaves he family on a spur of the moment decision, with very little money, and wearing only a bathing suit. A thoughtful book about a subject that every mother probably ponders at some point in life.

At 40, Delia Grinstead seems more likely to have an attack of anxiety, or of whimsy, than to become a runaway wife. Yet, in Tyler's 13th beguiling novel, Delia's impulse to escape her disapproving physician husband and three surly children turns into an adventure that sweeps her from her staid Baltimore orbit into a new existence as Ms. Grinstead, spinster, in the Delaware community of Bay Borough. It's the unexamined life that's Delia's problem, and when she finally strips away layers of hurt, resentment, guilt and anger, she confronts her inner self and begins to deal with the chronic insecurity that has kept her childlike, flighty and dependent. Gradually, she becomes part of her new community, and has the courage to take a job caring for Noah Miller, an appealing 12-year-old whose mother has also run away from home and family. Over the course of a year, Delia discards her timorous personality and gains an understanding of the person she wants to be.

Somewhat dated, but if you like Anne Tyler...,

I enjoyed this book but thought the ending was a little weak - and a little disappointing. It is a very light weight read - not too believable - requiring not much concentraton, so an ideal book for the end of the day, or on vacation.

Again, great character development. Loved it.

Wonderfully staisfying like all Anne Tyler's books.