Review: The Widow Waltz by Sally Koslow

The Widow Waltz

Author: Sally Koslow
Genre: Contemporary/Women's Fiction
Release Date: June 13, 2013
Publisher: Viking

Description:

"This heartfelt, witty addition to women’s fiction will appeal to fans of Elizabeth Berg and Anna Quindlen.” (Booklist)

Georgia Waltz has things many people only dream of: a plush Manhattan apartment overlooking Central Park, a Hamptons beach house, valuable jewels and art, two bright daughters, and a husband she adores, even after decades of marriage. It’s only when Ben suddenly drops dead from a massive coronary while training for the New York City Marathon that Georgia discovers her husband—a successful lawyer—has left them nearly penniless. Their wonderland was built on lies.
    
As the family attorney scours emptied bank accounts, Georgia must not only look for a way to support her family, she needs to face the revelation that Ben was not the perfect husband he appeared to be, just as her daughters—now ensconced back at home with secrets of their own—have to accept that they may not be returning to their lives in Paris and at Stanford subsidized by the Bank of Mom and Dad. As she uncovers hidden resilience, Georgia’s sudden midlife shift forces her to consider who she is and what she truly values. That Georgia may also find new love in the land of Spanx and stretch marks surprises everyone—most of all, her.

Sally Koslow’s fourth novel is deftly told through the alternating viewpoints of her remarkable female protagonists as they plumb for the grit required to reinvent their lives. Inspiring, funny, and deeply satisfying, The Widow Waltz explores in a profound way the bonds between mothers and daughters, belligerent siblings, skittish lovers, and bitter rivals as they discover the power of forgiveness, and healing, all while asking, "What is family, really?”  

The Widow Waltz is a heartfelt novel that follows main character Georgia Waltz as her life spirals downward when her husband, Ben, dies from a sudden heart attack while training for a marathon. Even more surprising is the fact that Ben left Georgia practically penniless - her life of luxury had been built on lies. As Georgia tries everything in her power to keep her family together while learning about Ben's secrets, as well as her daughters' lies, she comes to the realization that nobody is perfect and we must love them - all of them - including their flaws. Amidst the pain of losing her husband, her efforts at rebuilding her life and retaining her family, Georgia will find the most surprising thing of all - self realization and - maybe - even love.

This was a wonderfully written novel that was full of well rounded and realistic characters and memories along with heartbreaking realizations, self discovery, and the strength of love. The writing was fantastic and I was immediately drawn into Georgia's world. She was an interesting main character - strong and intelligent yet flawed and uncertain at times. She was easy to identify with and I was rooting for her early on in the story. The plot was fresh and dealt with deeper topics underneath the surface, especially those of family, love, the past, secrets, self discovery, and inner strength. Although there are aspects of the book that are heavy, the book itself was uplifting and a fast read. The characters - especially Georgia - and the dialogue really keep the book moving and flowing seamlessly. The writing was very well done and shows the immense talent the author possesses. Definitely recommended for fans of women's fiction and contemporary fiction!