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Say When
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Say When
Author: Elizabeth Berg

Book Information
Publisher: Washington Square Press
Book Type: Paperback
Rating:

ISBN-13: 9780743411370 - ISBN-10: 0743411374
Publication Date: 4/20/2004
Pages: 288


Other Versions of this Book: Hardcover, Hardcover, Audio Cassette (Library), Audio CD (Unabridged), Audio Cassette (Abridged), Audio CD

Book Description:
When is a marriage worth saving and when is it best to let go? When do half-truths turn into full-blown lies? When does betrayal end and passion begin?

Say When is a compelling, complex novel that takes readers into the heart of a modern marriage where companionship and intimacy, and denial and pain, so often collide. "Of course he knew she was seeing someone," begins the story of Frank Griffin, a man who's willing to overlook his wife's infidelity -- he would let her have this, this thrilling little romance -- for the sake of keeping his family intact. But when the forty-year-old Ellen requests a divorce on the basis that she has finally found true, romantic love, Griffin must decide whether to fight or flee...or search elsewhere for the kind of life he always dreamed of.

With Elizabeth Berg's trademark blend of rare insight, raw emotion, and hard-won wisdom, Say When is a work of startling revelation that no reader will soon forget.

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Top Member Book Reviews

Robin D. (RobininVT) wrote on 10/27/2008...

6 member(s) found this review helpful.

I enjoyed this book immensely. It is one of those that grabs you from the first page and is hard to put down because you truly care about the characters and want to know what happpens to them. I think these characters, the range and depth of emotion, and the subject matter will hit home with lots of other readers like it did me. It's an inside look at a marriage that is both painful and funny at times.

Amber S. (astream) wrote on 11/1/2006...

5 member(s) found this review helpful.

An absolutely excellent portrait of a marriage at a turning point. Elizabeth Berg has the uncanny talent of laying her characters emotions raw, and bringing you to tears with one sentence, laughter the next. Their inner selves are so REAL and close to the surface. Highly recommended

Natasha S. (Crazy4BooksAndYarn) wrote on 8/21/2007...

4 member(s) found this review helpful.

I enjoyed this book; it's a fast and engaging read. It's amazing how well she describes the feelings of the straying wife, who feels taken for granted. However, the story is told from the point of view of the husband, and it did help me see, perhaps, what is the other side of the coin as far as a man and his marriage are concerned.

Ernestine C. (Erne) wrote on 5/15/2007...

4 member(s) found this review helpful.

This is the first book by Elizabeth Berg that I have read. It was poignant,thought provoking and engrossing. The story of a flawed man trying to save his flawed marriage is moving, truly a great read!

Virginia K. (GinaK) wrote on 4/26/2007...

4 member(s) found this review helpful.

Introspective book on how one deals with the everyday nuances of a marriage. Witty, sad, absorbing and interesting. I really enjoyed this book as I do all of the author,s books. GinaK

BRITTNEY E. (BrittE) wrote on 8/31/2006...

4 member(s) found this review helpful.

Husbands frequently tune out their spouses, but Frank Griffin makes valiant attempts to ignore Ellen, his wife of 10 years, when she announces she has a lover and wants a divorce in this endearing, undemanding novel by Berg (True to Form, etc.). Griffin (he goes by his last name) struggles to hold on to his normal life-namely his house and his eight-year-old daughter, Zoe-while repairing his relationship with Ellen. Refreshingly, Berg tells the story from Griffin's point of view: he refuses to leave home, insisting that he and Ellen live as roommates, and tries to wear her down with small acts of kindness. A decent man and a good provider, Griffin is also-he comes to realize-a less-than-exciting partner at times, dismissive of his wife's attempts to get him to read poetry and see art movies, or try anything new at all. Eccentric, shy Ellen, an isolated, stay-at-home mother whose only friend is the waitress at her regular diner, has her own flaws. In trying to live out her adolescence 20-plus years too late, she flaunts her new romance in ways that evoke either disdain or pity for her na‹vet‚. Some readers may feel she gives up her quest for more freedom too quickly; others will appreciate the way she explores her complicated feelings about her marriage.

Andrea R. (fightingillinifan) wrote on 5/3/2008...

1 member(s) found this review helpful.

Say When is an outstanding book about the struggles of marriage. What I really enjoyed about this book was that it was told from the man's perspective. So often when I read books with a similar theme, they are told from the woman's point of view and it often turns into a man-bashing tirade. This was not like that at all. Immediately I was immersed in the pages and finished the book in a few hours. It was fast-paced and heartfelt. I enjoyed this book very much.

Donna H. (myanniecat) wrote on 2/9/2007...

1 member(s) found this review helpful.

A story about a troubled marriage, which was made interesting by being told from the male point of view. It made me think about how much we take people for granted...


Please Rate these Book Reviews

Carol R. (hansmrs) - Murphys wrote on 1/28/2009...


A beautiful story of a marriage & the work involved to make it work out. All from the husbands telling. Elizabeth Berg writes with such poignant insights. The book is so beleivable, you feel like you know the characters. This is one of her books not to miss.

Christine O. (crissyreader) wrote on 8/6/2008...


As always, Elizabeth Berg has a winner in this book about love and marriage. I loved the ending!

Robin M. (robinm) wrote on 10/10/2007...


If you have ever gone through a divorce, you will definitely identify with the main characters, Griffin and Ellen. Ellen asks for a divorce, having fallen in love with a young mechanic. Griffin is shocked, but then starts to see where the cracks have been all along. I identified with both sides so acutely that I was sobbing by the end of the book.

Joey S. (Joey) wrote on 8/19/2007...


"...it provides a refreshing and poignant look at how time can cause complacency and a sudden jolt can bring about immense change in a relationship...
An impulsive decision to become a department store Santa has a profound effect..." amazon

Laura H. (Btrfly) wrote on 4/20/2007...


Wonderful story. Elizabeth Berg is one of my favorite authors.

Patricia D. (dagatas) wrote on 4/4/2007...


Elizabeth Berg is a strong writer, this was an interesting story of infidelity as told by the male perspective. Good read!

Pat G. wrote on 3/20/2007...


Altho I really loved the book, at times it made me very sad.

Ann D. (wordyone) wrote on 3/1/2007...


A touching story of a marriage, told from the man's viewpoint.

Tracy S. (enchantedmoons) wrote on 2/23/2007...


I love Elizabeth Berg's books and this one was very touching. If you want an intimate view of a marriage falling apart and one man's fight to put it back together again, this is the book for you.

Donna G. wrote on 2/17/2007...


I LOVE every book by her and this is no exception.


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