A New York Times bestseller about a 1950s suburb transformed by the arrival of a divorced mother: “part American Graffiti, part early Updike” (The New York Times). On Hemlock Street, the houses are identical, the lawns tidy, and the families traditional. A perfect slice of suburbia, this Long Island community shows no signs of change as the 1950s draw to a close—until the fateful August morning … close—until the fateful August morning when Nora Silk arrives.
Recently divorced, Nora mows the lawn in slingback pumps and climbs her roof in the middle of the night to clean the gutters. She works three jobs, and when her casseroles don’t turn out, she feeds her two boys—eight-year-old Billy and his baby brother, James—Frosted Flakes for supper. She wears black stretch pants instead of Bermuda shorts, owns twenty-three shades of nail polish, and sings along to Elvis like a schoolgirl.
Though Nora is eager to fit in on Hemlock Street, her effect on the neighbors is anything but normal. The wives distrust her, the husbands desire her, and the children think she’s a witch. But through Nora’s eyes, the neighborhood appears far from perfect. Behind every neatly trimmed hedge and freshly painted shutter is a family struggling to solve its own unique mysteries. Inspired by Nora, the residents of Hemlock Street finally unlock the secrets that will transform their lives forever.
A tale of extraordinary discoveries, Seventh Heaven is an ode to a single mother’s heroic journey and a celebration of the courage it takes to change.
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It started out ok but the language and story content kept getting more vulgar. I got sick of that so didn’t finish it.
Alice Hoffman brings home the magic every time. This story is sweet but not sacharine. It has a slight edge and a raw, honest flavor. I devoured it.
Somewhat disappointing after reading two other books by the same author.
Accurate look at that time period . Enjoyed it very much .
Well written, a reflection on the time of American history the story depicts – a society in transition. I couldn’t help but feel sad for the flatness of some of the character’s lives.
A very unusual story as per Alice Hoffman style. Her image building through words is out of this world. Her story a realistic one with a swirl of magic. Mesmerizing.
I absolutely loved this book. Because of reading this and Practical Magic, I now want to read all of Alice Hoffman’s books. 7th Heaven is such a wonderful book. From the very first chapter I was hooked. The characters are believable and easy to identify with. I didn’t want the book to end and was almost crying by the last word. I wish I would have …