Emily, Alone (2011)

Emily, Alone: A Novel by Stewart O'Nan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was my introduction to Stewart O'Nan. I probably read a review that mentioned it was set in Pittsburgh and found that attractive. Emily was also a character in an earlier book, Wish You Were Here, but at the moment I am not inclined to read it.

Although Emily is a widow and some years older than me, I marveled at how O'Nan got everything right. It amused me when Emily wondered how she would find time in her busy day to visit the cemetery. After three years of retirement, I often wonder where the time goes and how much more I did when I was working.

All the things that bother, annoy and perplex Emily, have become part of my life. All the little things that bring her peace and happiness are so familiar. And I suspect she speaks to many of us through the minutiae of everyday life that O'Nan has so carefully observed and recorded.

When I return this much overdue book to the library, the contribution will be worth every penny. In my defense, I tried to renew the book but others are apparently waiting. I couldn't part with Emily, Alone until I was done reading it. And maybe I will never be finished with the story. Instead I will become more and more like Emily and that's not all bad. It's just the way it is as we age.

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