Barefoot: A Novel

Elin Hilderbrand
Little Brown and Company (2007)
ISBN 9780316018586
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (6/07)


Josh Flynn, a creative writing student, immediately noticed the three women and two small children as they embarked from the airplane.  Perhaps the twenty-two-year old smelled a good story.  He knew his dad would be watching, so he was subtle as he sniffed out the stories.  He was training himself to be observant.  Two of the women looked like they could be sisters.  One sister looked sad as though she was about to cry.  The other looked unhappy, maybe angry.  The three women together looked miserable. 

Brenda had agreed to come to Nantucket to help her sister Vickie, who had been diagnosis with cancer.  Vicki had invited her friend Melanie.  Melanie found out that her husband was having an affair just as she discovered she was pregnant.  She left without telling her husband where she was going.  Brenda had her own set of problems.  She was no longer employed or employable.  She had had an affair with one of her students.  It did not matter that the handsome Australian was a year older than she, at thirty-one, and that they really cared for each other.
Josh soon becomes the babysitter.  They need him as much as he needs them.  He encourages, assists and challenges the three women. 

“Barefoot” by Elin Hilderbrand will be the hit of the summer.  Hilderbrand has written the perfect woman’s book.  Three women, all with their own set of problems, escaping to Nantucket, add in a sexy college student who offers more than babysitting services, and you have the formula for a bestseller.  This is not an action-packed thriller; the plot flows along smoothly, drawing readers in like a slow-moving river.  The characters are well-developed.  Vicki is the most likable and draws the most sympathy.  Melanie likes to complain, a lot!  Brenda shows signs of possessiveness and jealousy.  All show attributes of three “normal” women.  The cover is delightful.  The legs of three women standing together on a beach with their jeans rolled up and no shoes, as they gaze at the ocean -- three women comfortable with each other, learning to bond together in friendship and need.  I highly recommend this one to women!

Make comment on weblog