Home Safe

A Novel

By: Elizabeth Berg

Narrated by: Elizabeth Berg

In this new novel, beloved bestselling author Elizabeth Berg weaves a beautifully written and richly resonant story of a mother and daughter in emotional transit. Helen Ames–recently widowed, coping with loss and grief, unable to do the work that has always sustained her–is beginning to depend far too much on her twenty-seven-year-old daughter, Tessa, and is meddling in her life, offering unsolicited and unwelcome advice. Helen’s problems are compounded by her shocking discovery that her mild-mannered and loyal husband was apparently leading a double life. The Ameses had painstakingly saved for a happy retirement, but that money disappeared in several large withdrawals made by Helen’s husband before he died. In order to support herself and garner a measure of much needed independence, Helen takes an unusual job that ends up offering far more than she had anticipated. And then a phone call from a stranger sets Helen on a surprising path of discovery that causes both mother and daughter to reassess what they thought they knew about each other, themselves, and what really makes a home and a family.©2009 Elizabeth Berg; (P)2009 Random House

Critic reviews

“Berg is a tender and enchanting storyteller who wisely celebrates the simple, sustaining elements of life… A keen and funny observer, she is the poet of kindness…This [is] an insightful, graceful, and romantic novel.”—Booklist

“Berg gracefully renders, in tragic and comic detail, the notions that every life–however blessed–has its share of awful loss, and that even crushed, defeated hearts can be revived.”—Publishers Weekly

“[Berg’s] warmth, humor, and forgiving eye for human nature, mixing wry observation with heartwarming moments, make this a pleasant read.”—Library Journal

“A charming read.”—People

“Some of the best fiction plants us in someone else's life and forces us to keep turning the pages no matter how minute the details. Elizabeth Berg, who is expert at that technique, has produced one of her most honest and intimate novels with Home Safe.''—Boston Globe

Another Personal Best for Berg

I love Berg's explorations of separation, change and loss, and the way she crafts the residue of big life seismic shifts into new life.
My only issue with her work is that her novels are not long enough.

Tell me a story Mommy,

I’m new to audio books (still put on my glasses to listen) but this was such a balm for my battered life that I can’t say thank you enough. will be back for more.

Nice Story - Performance a bit irritating

I enjoyed the story, a woman that has to figure herself out on so many levels. I wish so much the author was not the narrator. I only continued to listen because I was cheering for the main character, but it was sure hard to listen to.

Not Elizabeth Berg’s Best

I found this to be slow, whiny and, yes, insipid. I loved every other novel Berg has ever written.

Love this Book! Elizabeth Berg is my new favorite! I am hooked.

Thank you for this story, it is funny, heartwarming and a depth that reaches your soul.