In a delightful new romantic comedy from Elinor Lipman, one woman’s trash becomes another woman’s treasure, with deliriously entertaining results. Daphne Maritch doesn’t quite know what to make of the heavily annotated high school yearbook she inherits from her mother, who held this relic dear. Too dear. The late June Winter Maritch was the teacher to whom the class of ‘68 had dedicated … had dedicated its yearbook, and in turn she went on to attend every reunion, scribbling notes and observations after each one–not always charitably–and noting who overstepped boundaries of many kinds.
In a fit of decluttering (the yearbook did not, Daphne concluded, “spark joy”), she discards it when she moves to a small New York City apartment. But when it’s found in the recycling bin by a busybody neighbor/documentary filmmaker, the yearbook’s mysteries–not to mention her own family’s–take on a whole new urgency, and Daphne finds herself entangled in a series of events both poignant and absurd.
Good Riddance is a pitch-perfect, whip-smart new novel from an “enchanting, infinitely witty yet serious, exceptionally intelligent, wholly original, and Austen-like stylist” (Washington Post).
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The sharp, smart wit of Elinor Lipman is a treasure and Good Riddance more than delivers with laugh out loud dialogue, wise social commentary, and thoughtful observations about love.
I got this book the audible version from the local library. I don’t know what made me get it but I thought I just give it a try, something new and different. Well I truly enjoyed it. Coming from an exceptionally large family and all that goes with that I found the circumstances that the main character was in very funny. Throughout the book you’ll find yourself laughing. I would definitely read another book by this author.
Elinor Lipman writes believable, clever dialogue, develops interesting and dimensional characters, and spins a good tale from it.
This story had potential but unfortunately didn’t deliver. There were too many threads, too many different stories, that none of them ended up being satisfactory and left me feeling confused as I couldn’t figure out what I was supposed to focus on or care about. Also, aside from Daphne’s dad and Kathi, the characters were all horrible people and I kind of wanted all of them to get their comeuppance.
Anything by this author is always on my must-read during troubled times.
The title represents how I felt when done listening. There is no one in the book that is even remotely likable so it was hard to care even a tiny bit what happened to any of them. Just my opinion, but a disappointment from an author I normally adore.
This was a really enjoyable read – captivating writing style, wonderful characters and a fun, sweet story. Pure pleasure!
What a fun romp, and she makes it look effortless. I love Lipman’s dialogue and characters and her good guys and her bad guys and the comic scenes she sets up and executes so expertly. When I finished this, I immediately went and got another Lipman novel out of the library, which tells you something. In fact, I’ll probably drive down and get yet another one today. I have a new favorite author.
This is not one of her best books. I felt like most of the characters were not developed enough.
A 50-year-old high school yearbook. That’s what Daphne’s mother left her in her will. It’s bad enough she’s lost her mother, but she’s just divorced her rat husband who only married her to get his share of the family trust, and by the way, sleeping with anyone. . . well, you get the picture.
The fun begins after an aspiring documentary producer pulls the yearbook out of the trash. This leads to a high school reunion, an astonishing revelation, podcasts, dog walking, dad’s dating, and oh, yes, a cute TV actor across the hall.
This fun-filled story reads like a pinball game, with the characters doing the most absurd things imaginable! I kept finding myself thinking, what next? Poor Daphne, how will she ever find her new normal? Luckily she won’t settle for normal.
I read this book in one sitting, just didn’t want to leave this New York crowd. Loved these characters and the energy the author brings to the story. Now, back to the library for another dose of Lipman’s wit and style! Terrific read!
Fun read, well-written. Nice lightweight entertainment, which is all you want sometimes.
Elinor Lipman books always make me happy. It’s as simple as that. Imaginative plots, interesting and inviting characters, and fresh, crisp, clever dialogue. An ancient high school yearbook inspired Lipman to write Good Riddance, and in it, an ancient high school yearbook leads to surprises, complications, and–of course–love. Reading Elinor Lipman makes me happy. ‘Nuff said.
I wait eagerly for each new release from Elinor Lipman. Good Riddance was a fine addition, charming, funny, and heart-warming.