Widow-Wise

Three nice Jewish girls met in a dormitory room on the campus of The Ohio State University in September 1956. The young women were the daughters and granddaughters of immigrants, from middle-class, devoted families. Their dreams were indicative of the era: marry, have children, live happily ever after. Sybil was beautiful, shy, and very private. Beverly was beautiful, caring and open to everyone. Alyce was independent, friendly and observant of all around her. Fifty-three years later, as widows, they sat together and retold the stories of their lives. The expectation of youth, the reality of tragedy, laughter and heartbreak, aging and longing, all are told with clarity, humor and eternal hope. The author speaks in a matter-of-fact way as she writes about a widow's place, real or perceived, in her daily life. She uses candor and wit in her observations about relationships, friends and sex.