Book Review: Here On Earth

Reviewed By: Woodstock - RAM

Here On Earth     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Alice Hoffman
Class/Genre:   Fiction   Romance   Oprah's Book Club

Okay, this is what I call a "chick book." And its not the kind of thing I normally pick up and settle down with. But I happened to have it with me a few days ago when I found myself waiting around with time on my hands, and not free to pack up and go home to another reading choice. Hoffman's story has many parallels to "Wuthering Heights." Some of these parallels are humorous, many uncomfortable and awkward, and most of them infuriating.

Marsh Murray has returned to her childhood New England home after years away, returning for the funeral of the housekeeper hired by her father after Marsh's mother's death. Grieving for the woman who raised her, Marsh finds it difficult to leave her childhood home and community, and the days drag into weeks as she sorts through the remaining household effects and personal possessions which must now be sold or discarded. Marsh's teenage daughter has accompanied her, at first reacting to the small New England town with a disdain stereotypical of a 21st century California teenager. As the story progresses however, Gwen also finds a sense of belonging, and consents to stay on.

Dominating the action is Marsh's inexorable attraction to her childhood romance - a very odd sort of man. Hollis is wealthy, solitary, controlling, manipulative and harsh. We read the history of their teenage romance, but nothing in Hoffman's telling of present day events explains the strong attraction Marsh feels in the present, and nothing justifies her submission to the life she begins to lead as she renews their relationship.

More intriguing are some supporting characters - Marsh's daughter Gwen, Hollis adopted son Hank, Marsh's brother Alan, and friends and acquaintances living in the small town, all of whom seem paralyzed in their concern for Marsh, and their collective inability to help her to see things clearly.

Woodstock - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Woodstock - RAM