A Lifetime Burning
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Overview
So spontaneous is the writing in A Lifetime Burning, one might believe these are indeed words of a woman desperately trying to understand what has happened to her life, beginning with the fact that her husband has stopped sleeping with her.
Why? Is there a rival—perhaps "The Toad," the unattractive housewife next door—or someone else, who will completely surprise the reader, as do many of the events of the protagonist's story? At age sixty-two, Corinne must grapple with the most painful truth that her lifelong passion—which is anyone's passion, to love and be loved, body and soul—could burn unquenched forever. Her imaginative narrative even when she is lying is as revealing as bedrock truth. A Lifetime Burning is as real as life itself—a novel shimmering and vital and recognizably true. Gripping, smart, suspenseful, and at times, wonderfully witty, Douglas's widely acclaimed book forms a searching and searing record of love, anger, confession, and discovery.
At age 62, Corinne must grapple with the most painful truth that her lifelong passion--which is anyone's passion, to love and be loved, body and soul--could burn unquenched forever. Gripping, smart, suspenseful, and at times, wonderfully witty, Douglas's widely acclaimed novel forms a searching and searing record of love, anger, confession and discovery.
Editorials
Jonathon Yardlay
At a stage in her life and career when most American novelists are content to repeat themselves, Ellen Douglas has struck boldly into new territory and come back from it with her finest novel.—Washington Post Book World
Anne Tyler
That hearts can still break, at age sixty—two, instead of merely withering, and that at sixty—two, connecting with another creature continues to be all—important—that's what makes A Lifetime Burning so moving. This is Ellen Douglas' fifth novel, and it is, I believe, her best, thanks to the firm, distinctive, intensely personal voice of her heroine.—Baltimore Sun
Susan Isaacs
This is…a beautifully constructed work of fiction. Ellen Douglas has all the qualities a reader could ask of a novelist: depth, emotional range, wit, sensitivity, and the gift of language. A Lifetime Burning is a fine showcase for her talents.—New York Times Book Review