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The Good House summary
Brief summary
The Good House by Ann Leary is a captivating novel that delves into the life of Hildy Good, a real estate agent with a hidden alcohol addiction. Set in a small town, it explores the complexities of family, friendship, and the facade of perfection.
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The Good House
Summary of key ideas
The Spiraling Secrets
In The Good House by Ann Leary, we meet Hildy Good, a successful real estate agent in Wendover, Massachusetts. Hildy is a life-long resident of this small, affluent community, and she knows everyone's business. She is also a recovering alcoholic, although she doesn't believe she has a problem with alcohol. Hildy's two grown daughters, who are worried about her drinking, have recently sent her to a rehab facility. Hildy, however, doesn't take her sobriety seriously and continues to drink secretly.
At a dinner party, Hildy meets Rebecca McAllister, a new resident of Wendover, and they strike up an unlikely friendship. They both feel like outsiders, and their shared loneliness brings them closer. They start spending a lot of time together, often drinking wine and gossiping. Their friendship raises eyebrows in the community since Rebecca has a reputation for being wild.
Rebecca's Secrets
As Hildy gets to know Rebecca better, she learns that Rebecca has a dark past. She has been married multiple times and has a history of alcoholism and promiscuity. Rebecca also reveals that she has a rare medical condition which causes her to black out and behave erratically. Hildy becomes Rebecca's confidante, and she is the only one who knows about her secret condition. She feels protective of Rebecca and doesn't want anyone to know about her past.
Meanwhile, Hildy's relationship with her ex-boyfriend, Frank Getchell, becomes complicated. Frank, who is now married, still has feelings for Hildy. Hildy, on the other hand, is not interested in rekindling their romance. She is also dealing with the sale of her family home, which holds a lot of sentimental value for her.
Unraveling Truths
As the story progresses, Hildy's life starts to unravel. Her friendship with Rebecca takes a dark turn when Rebecca's behavior becomes increasingly erratic. Hildy starts to question her own sanity, wondering if her friend's condition is contagious. She also begins to suspect that Rebecca is manipulating her and using her to cover up her own indiscretions.
Things come to a head when Rebecca's husband is found dead in their house. The police suspect foul play, and Hildy is torn between protecting her friend and revealing the truth. She begins to question everything she thought she knew about Rebecca and her own life. Her sobriety is also put to the test as she struggles to deal with the mounting stress and uncertainty.
The Aftermath
In the end, Hildy's worst fears are confirmed when she discovers that Rebecca had been pretending to have a medical condition to manipulate her. She had been using Hildy to cover up her own alcohol-fueled escapades. Hildy realizes that she had been blind to the truth because she was so desperate for a friend and had been in denial about her own alcoholism.
As Hildy comes to terms with these revelations, she decides to embrace her sobriety and take control of her life. She also sells her family home and moves into a smaller, more manageable house. In doing so, Hildy acknowledges that she can't change the past, but she can shape her future. The novel ends with Hildy finally coming to terms with her own demons and finding peace.
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What is The Good House about?
The Good House by Ann Leary is a captivating novel that delves into the complexities of family, addiction, and the secrets we keep. Set in a small New England town, the story follows Hildy Good, a real estate agent with a sharp wit and a drinking problem. As she navigates her relationships and uncovers long-buried truths, the book offers a thought-provoking exploration of identity and the power of self-deception.
The Good House Review
The Good House by Ann Leary (2013) tells the story of a witty and seemingly put-together woman in a small New England town struggling with alcoholism and family secrets. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- Explores the theme of facing inner demons and dealing with family dynamics in a compelling and relatable way.
- Offers a nuanced portrayal of a complex protagonist navigating personal challenges, making the narrative engaging and thought-provoking.
- Keeps readers hooked with its gripping plot twists and unexpected revelations, guaranteeing an immersive and unpredictable reading experience.
Who should read The Good House?
Readers who enjoy character-driven stories with a touch of dark humor
Those interested in exploring the complexities of human relationships and the secrets we keep
People who appreciate a well-crafted and suspenseful narrative
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The Good House FAQs
What is the main message of The Good House?
The main message of The Good House revolves around secrets, relationships, and small-town drama.
How long does it take to read The Good House?
Reading The Good House takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in less than 15 minutes.
Is The Good House a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Good House is a captivating novel offering a glimpse into the complexities of human nature. It's definitely worth a read.
Who is the author of The Good House?
The author of The Good House is Ann Leary.
What to read after The Good House?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Good House, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
- Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser
- Why We Get Fat by Gary Taubes
- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- Savor by Thich Nhat Hanh and Lilian Cheung
- Eat to Live by Joel Fuhrman
- Nutrition and Physical Degeneration by Weston A. Price
- Salt Sugar Fat by Michael Moss
- Mindless Eating by Brian Wansink
- The Twenty-four Hour Mind by Rosalind D. Cartwright