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Whispers
It can happen in the best of families--even the Fergusons. When Lynn and Robert first meet, she's bright, fresh-faced twenty-year old; he's handsome, a bit older, a charming young executive on the fast track. From the start they fall deeply in love, thrilled by the discovery of their mutual desire. But as early as their honeymoon the gold begins to tarnish, when Robert's anger erupts into a physical assault, one for which Lynn blames herself. To all appearances Lynn and Robert are living the ultimate American dream-a lovely home in an exclusive Connecticut suburb, a picture-perfect marriage, two beautiful children, a country club membership, and wonderful friends. But not even with their closest friends can Lynn reveal what is truly happening to her family. Their secret life is betrayed only is whispers of what goes on behind closed doors.
331 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 1993
About the author
Belva Plain
110 books305 followersBelva Plain was a best-selling American author of mainstream women's fiction. Her first novel, Evergreen (1978) topped the New York Times bestseller list for 41 weeks and was made into a TV miniseries. At her death, there were over 30 million copies of her twenty-plus novels in print in 22 languages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
September 11, 2018
Robert and Lynn Ferguson are the quintessentially picture-perfect couple with two beautiful daughters and a lovely home in an exclusive Connecticut community. Robert is on the fast track of a major corporation. Lynn is devoted to her family and doing good works. But the Fergusons' ultimate American dream hides a dark painful secret - one that Lynn vows to keep hidden from the world - and her children - at any cost.
When Lynn and Robert first meet, she's a bright, fresh-faced twenty-year-old; he's handsome, slightly older, a charming young business executive; ambitious and determined. From the start they fall deeply in love, thrilled by the discovery of their mutual desire. But as early as their honeymoon the gold begins to tarnish, when Robert's anger erupts into a physical assault, one for which Lynn blames herself.
To all appearances, the Fergusons have kept the facade of an idyllically happy family firmly intact. Not even their closest friends, Josie and Bruce Lehman know the entirety of Lynn's shame. Social worker Josie has seen her bruises, distrusts the overly-ambitious, too-perfect Robert, and suspects the real cause of the children's increasingly disturbed behavior. But not even Josie can pierce Lynn's icy wall of silence, a wall that will not crumble until Lynn is forced to face herself - and the truth - at last.
I thought this book was absolutely excellent. The plot was very believable; I can imagine that such a scenario could, and perhaps does, happen to so many people - domestic abuse is probably much more prevalent than we expect. I give this book a definite A+!
When Lynn and Robert first meet, she's a bright, fresh-faced twenty-year-old; he's handsome, slightly older, a charming young business executive; ambitious and determined. From the start they fall deeply in love, thrilled by the discovery of their mutual desire. But as early as their honeymoon the gold begins to tarnish, when Robert's anger erupts into a physical assault, one for which Lynn blames herself.
To all appearances, the Fergusons have kept the facade of an idyllically happy family firmly intact. Not even their closest friends, Josie and Bruce Lehman know the entirety of Lynn's shame. Social worker Josie has seen her bruises, distrusts the overly-ambitious, too-perfect Robert, and suspects the real cause of the children's increasingly disturbed behavior. But not even Josie can pierce Lynn's icy wall of silence, a wall that will not crumble until Lynn is forced to face herself - and the truth - at last.
I thought this book was absolutely excellent. The plot was very believable; I can imagine that such a scenario could, and perhaps does, happen to so many people - domestic abuse is probably much more prevalent than we expect. I give this book a definite A+!
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November 1, 2013Let me be very very clear about this. I HATED this stupid book. It is about a stupid woman named Lynn who is so spineless it is a wonder she can move at all. She is married to a monster named Robert who needs a big kick in the teeth and the idiot has two daughters that she exposes to this horrible life which she is in denial about. Robert is a pompous ass who physically and emotionally abuses Lynn quite frequently. This stupid Lynn then lets him emotionally abuse her youngest daughter which is what really boils my blood. Belva Plain has created characters with little redeeming qualities and seems to protray this Lynn as a woman from olden times not modern day. In today's world there is help for women who are in abusive relationships they do not have to suffer. If they have any brains at all they will reach out for help. While reading you keep hoping that Lynn will somehow develop a backbone at least to protect her daughter Annie but she never does. Do not waste your time or money on this garbage book. I give it ZERO stars that is how bad it is.
May 21, 2018
I waited for this book to get better. It never did, right until the very end. So mad I wasted my time on this book. Only read it because a friend recommended it, otherwise I would have put it down a long time ago!
April 1, 2009
Robert & Lynn Ferguson are a perfect couple with 2 beautiful daugheres & a lovely home in an exclusive Conn. Community. Robert is on the fast track of a major corporation. Lynn is devoted to her family & good works. But the Ferguson's closed doors hide a painful secret Lynn must keep from the world and her children...at any cost. Nor even the Ferguson's best friends, Josie and Bruce Lehman know of Lynn's shame. Social worker Josie sees her bruises & distrusts the too ambitious, too perfect Robert & suspects the real cause of the children's increasingly disturded behavior. But, not even Josie can pierce Lynn's wall of silence, a wall that will not crumble until Lynn is forced to face herself-and the truth at last. She finally divorces Robert and winds up with Bruce after Josie died.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2022
I read this book when I was a teenager and I've never forget it. This unadorned story sums up perfectly the daily life of a woman married to an abusive man. It narrates with simplicity the domestic violence that the protagonist endures during, if I remember well 1 or 2 decades. I remember crying reading the final lines of her best friend dying from cancer who supported her during Lynn's hardest times.
I think it is a must-read because it breaks the myth that domestic violence only occurs in underprivileged families and poor upbringings. It breaks the myth that a woman is a beaten woman only if it happens regularly.
This story is forever carved into me.
I think it is a must-read because it breaks the myth that domestic violence only occurs in underprivileged families and poor upbringings. It breaks the myth that a woman is a beaten woman only if it happens regularly.
This story is forever carved into me.
August 24, 2021
I love this author, but this book was awful. It was 500 pages of nothing. A woman marries a man whose abusive and takes 20 years to finally leave them. Okay… So what? Sorry Ms. Plain. You are a gifted writer, and I hate to sound so insulting, but did you actually write this?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2017
The story of a woman who had everything. A nice home, beautiful children-good friends and a hard working husband. But she had one secret that c.lose friends began to suspect......
February 26, 2015
A real tearjerker, which I hated and loved at the same time. The story was fantastic, but I hated the ugliness, but loved the beauty that was born out of the ugly towards the end.
Robert made me so sick that I wasn't very sure that I could finish the novel, and in her own way, Lynn made me just as sick. Surely I hated Robert the most, because of how he was, but the anger I felt in my heart towards Lynn was painful.
How could she let Robert treat Annie the way she did? How could she just stand there while he called the child disgusting and a pig and a failure?
It is one thing to allow yourself to be disrespected, but when the children are being attacked, it is another.
Some of the worst parts were when someone would speak the plain truth about Robert, and Lynn would defend him. Lynn would even defend his violence to herself. She would actually seem ready to fight for Robert's honor, even when she knew what he was. She knew it. She expressed it, but still she defended
Ugh! He didn't mean it. He works so hard. He really does love us. He's a good man. He tries so hard. It wasn't really his fault. It was an accident. He wasn't trying to hurt me. I slipped. I shouldn't have tried to run. I shouldn't have talked back when I saw he was angry. Ugh!
Robert made me so sick that I wasn't very sure that I could finish the novel, and in her own way, Lynn made me just as sick. Surely I hated Robert the most, because of how he was, but the anger I felt in my heart towards Lynn was painful.
How could she let Robert treat Annie the way she did? How could she just stand there while he called the child disgusting and a pig and a failure?
It is one thing to allow yourself to be disrespected, but when the children are being attacked, it is another.
Some of the worst parts were when someone would speak the plain truth about Robert, and Lynn would defend him. Lynn would even defend his violence to herself. She would actually seem ready to fight for Robert's honor, even when she knew what he was. She knew it. She expressed it, but still she defended
Ugh! He didn't mean it. He works so hard. He really does love us. He's a good man. He tries so hard. It wasn't really his fault. It was an accident. He wasn't trying to hurt me. I slipped. I shouldn't have tried to run. I shouldn't have talked back when I saw he was angry. Ugh!
February 23, 2017
Set over decades, this tells the tale of domestic violence in one upper middle class American family. Lynn is desperately in love with Robert when the story starts, the secretary in love with and flattered by attention from the boss, and so their story begins. The back story of Robert unfolds in pieces, and Lynn grows in confidence with the help of her friends. It is well written. I was surprised by the writing as the cover misled me to think the book would be more of a light romance. I have not read anything else by Belva Plain, and this book was recommended to me by my mother. At times the reader is frustrated by Lynn's denial and inability to accept help, but isn't this true of victims of domestic violence?
May 22, 2013
So, I read this book back when I was in high school, and it haunted me. The idea of domestic violence was so foreign to me, coming from a supportive, loving family that when I read this, however, I definitely felt that I was looking into a social problem that I'd never imagined existed (I guess I was pretty sheltered!)
Belva Plain does a wonderful job of portraying a family in crisis and how slow but relentless acts of emotional and physical abuse can reach a point of no return.
A really terrific book...it's a bit outdated, I'm sure, but still well-worth the read.
Belva Plain does a wonderful job of portraying a family in crisis and how slow but relentless acts of emotional and physical abuse can reach a point of no return.
A really terrific book...it's a bit outdated, I'm sure, but still well-worth the read.
July 7, 2015
More like a 3.5. I have had this book in my TBR basket for over a year and kept bypassing it because I thought it was going to be scary, but not so. What I found was a story that swept me along because I had to make sure it ended like I felt it should. Not all was predictable. At one time, I sat the book down and was saying, "I didn't expect that.". Reminds me of Nora Roberts' books, but with a little more credit to the intelligence of the reader. Nice summertime pool book.
June 12, 2011
Any book about domestic abuse is sobering and frustrating. This story is told with clarity, reminding us of all the reasons why we should pay special attention to one another, and pursue our intuitions if we suspect abuse. I'm of the mind that everyone knows a battered wife. You just don't know that you know.
April 11, 2017
This was a contrived book about spousal abuse.
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November 11, 2016Robert Ferguson met Lynn Riemer when she was 20. She was slightly naïve in the romance department. He was a slightly older businessman who had been married before and had a son that he hadn't seen since he was a year old. He told Lynn that she had moved back in with her family with the boy. Robert wa alw
They went on their honeymoon and that is when she first noticed his anger. They went into town and he grabbed her arm tight enough to leave marks that her father noticed when they returned back home. She talked her father out of saying anything to Robert.
Emily was born 11 months after their wedding and Caroline followed 18 months later. Lynn and the girls were at a neighbors who were having a birthday party for their granddaughter when it was noticed that Caroline was missing. They found her a short time later where she had drowned in a pond. Robert was quick to say that he didn't blame Lynn but knew that she felt guilty and constantly reminder her of Caroline's death to reinforce the guilt she felt.
They later had another child, Annie. Lynn knew that she was a disappointment to Robert. She was overweight and clumsy at sports. He gave all his attention to Emily who was bright, energetic and looked more like him.
Robert was always trying to outdo his co-workers and put down both his and her family members. He had an aunt that they didn't see much because Robert wasn't very nice to her. Lynn's family didn't visit much either. He was always putting them down and they didn't like him much either. They were once at a conference and Robert got upset because Lynn didn't pack a jacket he wanted to wear. Lynn tripped and cut her face while ducking another blow from Robert. They were headed home when the ran into Bruce, a co-worker and the husband of Lynn's best friend, Josie. He was headed to a jewelry store to buy a bracelet for Josie because she was fighting cancer and had been doing well. Robert asked to go along and purchased a more expensive bracelet for Lynn and made her show it to Bruce. She reluctantly showed the bracelet to Bruce and he told her not to feel bad because she deserved nice things.
They moved into a large house in Connecticut. Robert had found the house and knew that Josie would love it. She thought it was much too big and expensive but knew better than to voice her feelings to Robert. Bruce and Josie lived nearby. Emily was now 17 and dating a boy named Harris who lived across the street. Robert didn't approve but never told Emily no. Annie had blonde, kinky hair and was still overweight. Robert was constantly telling her she was fat and tried to take sweets away from her. Robert wasn't the least bit embarrassed about doing this in front of other either. Robert and Josie often traded barbed comments with each other, leaving Bruce and Lynn to smooth things over. It was obvious that Josie didn't like him.
The four of them went to an auction at the hospital one evening. Lynn offered to cook a meal for 8 as one of the auction items. Tom Lawrence had the winning bid and she went to his house to cook the meal a week later. Robert went to the house and watched Lynn without her knowing. She had finished cooking and Tom asked her to dance. She tried to refuse when he grabbed her and she was soon having a good time. She was just about to leave when Robert came through the back gate and started yelling at Lynn. They went home and they argued. Robert pusehed her off their patio into some thorn bushes. Her clothes were torn and she sprained her ankle. Emily saw her the next morning and told Lynn that she knew what happened. Lynn tried to tell her that she had fallen but Emily didn't believe her. Emily asked why Robert got angry like he did. Emily then asked why she was never told about Robert's first wife and son. She had found out from Robert's aunt.
Josie tried to get Lynn to see a counselor after the thorn bush incident but Robert was being so nice that she only went once. He took Lynn on a trip to the Bahamas. They had a wonderful time. Lynn soon discovered that she was pregnant. Robert also found out that Tom was friends with the head of the company he worked for. He then started being nice to Tom and tried to find ways to get together with him. It was an obvious ploy that Tom spotted right off but introduced Robert to the Monacco's in a effort to make things better for Lynn. Lynn saw Tom a short time later and asked if it bothered him and he said that it didn't really.
Robert was sent to visit overseas in order to see if they could effectively grow their business into an international firm. Annie got on a flight to St. Louis and flew to Lynn's sister, Helen's house. Helen wasn't home and Lynn was pregnant so Bruce went to bring her home. Annie didn't want to be home with Robert their. Bruce had a long talk with Annie and told her to call him anytime she wanted to talk or needed help. They developed a close friendship after that. They talked often.
Emily had gotten pregnant by Harris and they were out for the evening when Bruce called and told them that Emily was at the hospital. She had a miscarriage and Robert was quick to blame Lynn for letting her go out with Harris so often without knowing where they were or what they were doing.
Harris's father was a policeman and he brought Harris over to apologize to Emily's parents when Robert just made him miserable. Harris's father told Robert that he needed to realize that he wasn't better than everyone else. He knew that he beat his wife. He had been called the night he pushed Lynn into the bushes but didn't write up a report of the incident out of respect for them being neighbors. That made Robert even madder but he went back inside his house without saying anything else derogatory toward Harris.
Lynn had a son and Emily applied and got accepted into Yale. Robert was estatic until Emily told him that she had turned down the acceptance and she was going to LSU with Harris. Robert told her that he wasn't paying for her to attend another college.
They found out that Josie's cancer was back and this time she was going to die. There was nothing that could be done. She heard what Robert had done to Emily and told Bruce to take the money she had and give it to Emily to use for college. Bruce did that and Robert was furious and when Lynn told him, he slapped her. They were interrupted when their housekeeper came in and saw him hitting her. Lynn knew that others would find out now.
Annie got in a fight with another girl at school because she said something to Annie about her father hitting her mother. Annie didn't believe it and hit the girl to shut her up. She asked Lynn about it and she again denied that it was happening.
Lynn went to the hospital to see Josie and Bruce was there. Josie had gone into a coma and she went home with Bruce to grab something to eat because she wasn't ready to face Robert again yet. They ended up having sex that night and felt guilty because Josie wasn't yet dead and she was still married to Robert.
Josie died and Emily left for college but had another conversation with Lynn and asked her if she was ever curious about Robert's first wife and son. Lynn told her no but the conversation stuck with her. Robert found out that Bruce was given the overseas job that he had been coveting for so long. Robert ended up quitting his job. Lynn wanted to leave him but felt again that Robert had learned his lesson and was paying the price. He would learn from what was happening to him now.
Lynn was trying to save money and went into NY to do some Christmas shopping. She noticed a picture of a dog that looked just like theirs. She went into the shop and found the owner there was Robert's ex-wife. She told Lynn that Robert's story of his family was all a lie. He had come from poor parents and his father beat his wife. They had died in a car accident when his mother had tried to get out of the vehicle when it was moving. His father had tried to grab her when the car ran into a tree and they were both killed. He had beat and kicked her when she was down and she had broked her hip. It hadn't healed properly and she didn't walk well. Lynn was surprised.
Lynn went home and gave Robert the picture. He asked her where she got it and she told him. He got furious again and broke the picture frame and started punching Lynn. He had knocked her out. Annie heard what was going on a had called Bruce. Lynn came to and Bruce was washing her bloody face. Bruce had called Tom and he showed up soon after. Eudora came and stayed for awhile. Tom was an attorney and arranged for a friend to represent her in her divorce. Emily flew home to see Lynn. She went back to school when she knew her mom was going to be okay.
Lynn never saw Tom by herself after that. Tom spent quite a bit of time at her house but he told her that he didn't want to get married again and broke it off with her because he knew that she would never find someone to love her if he stuck around. She was a little shaken up but he told her to go be the best person she could be without needing a man. Lynn decided to move back to St. Louis after talking to her sister. She decided to start a catering business and Eudora asked if she could come along and help. Lynn made her an employee and a partner in her business.
She dated some in the first few years after the divorce. She saw Tom once when he came into town. Emily made it through LSU and was accepted into Harvard Medical School. Annie went into counseling and they found out that she had nightmares of the night that Robert had pushed her into the thornbush. They didn't know that she had seen that happen. She was afraid of Robert because of her nightmares. She grew up and lost twenty pounds after he left. She had her hair straightened and was happier these days. Bruce was still overseas and she didn't know when or if she would ever see him again. Her business was doing well and was finally in the black. She had paid off the loans she got to start her business.
She was working one day when she had a surprise visitor. Bruce had come back to tell Lynn that he was taking over the company business in St. Louis. He was in love with her and wanted to marry her. He was very happy that she was now a successful business woman. They had lunch at the hotel where he was staying and ended up having sex in his room. They then went by her house and the girls were very happy to see him. Emily was home on Christmas break. He told her that it would be a challenge but he and Josie couldn't have children and he was looking forward to raising her children with her.
They went on their honeymoon and that is when she first noticed his anger. They went into town and he grabbed her arm tight enough to leave marks that her father noticed when they returned back home. She talked her father out of saying anything to Robert.
Emily was born 11 months after their wedding and Caroline followed 18 months later. Lynn and the girls were at a neighbors who were having a birthday party for their granddaughter when it was noticed that Caroline was missing. They found her a short time later where she had drowned in a pond. Robert was quick to say that he didn't blame Lynn but knew that she felt guilty and constantly reminder her of Caroline's death to reinforce the guilt she felt.
They later had another child, Annie. Lynn knew that she was a disappointment to Robert. She was overweight and clumsy at sports. He gave all his attention to Emily who was bright, energetic and looked more like him.
Robert was always trying to outdo his co-workers and put down both his and her family members. He had an aunt that they didn't see much because Robert wasn't very nice to her. Lynn's family didn't visit much either. He was always putting them down and they didn't like him much either. They were once at a conference and Robert got upset because Lynn didn't pack a jacket he wanted to wear. Lynn tripped and cut her face while ducking another blow from Robert. They were headed home when the ran into Bruce, a co-worker and the husband of Lynn's best friend, Josie. He was headed to a jewelry store to buy a bracelet for Josie because she was fighting cancer and had been doing well. Robert asked to go along and purchased a more expensive bracelet for Lynn and made her show it to Bruce. She reluctantly showed the bracelet to Bruce and he told her not to feel bad because she deserved nice things.
They moved into a large house in Connecticut. Robert had found the house and knew that Josie would love it. She thought it was much too big and expensive but knew better than to voice her feelings to Robert. Bruce and Josie lived nearby. Emily was now 17 and dating a boy named Harris who lived across the street. Robert didn't approve but never told Emily no. Annie had blonde, kinky hair and was still overweight. Robert was constantly telling her she was fat and tried to take sweets away from her. Robert wasn't the least bit embarrassed about doing this in front of other either. Robert and Josie often traded barbed comments with each other, leaving Bruce and Lynn to smooth things over. It was obvious that Josie didn't like him.
The four of them went to an auction at the hospital one evening. Lynn offered to cook a meal for 8 as one of the auction items. Tom Lawrence had the winning bid and she went to his house to cook the meal a week later. Robert went to the house and watched Lynn without her knowing. She had finished cooking and Tom asked her to dance. She tried to refuse when he grabbed her and she was soon having a good time. She was just about to leave when Robert came through the back gate and started yelling at Lynn. They went home and they argued. Robert pusehed her off their patio into some thorn bushes. Her clothes were torn and she sprained her ankle. Emily saw her the next morning and told Lynn that she knew what happened. Lynn tried to tell her that she had fallen but Emily didn't believe her. Emily asked why Robert got angry like he did. Emily then asked why she was never told about Robert's first wife and son. She had found out from Robert's aunt.
Josie tried to get Lynn to see a counselor after the thorn bush incident but Robert was being so nice that she only went once. He took Lynn on a trip to the Bahamas. They had a wonderful time. Lynn soon discovered that she was pregnant. Robert also found out that Tom was friends with the head of the company he worked for. He then started being nice to Tom and tried to find ways to get together with him. It was an obvious ploy that Tom spotted right off but introduced Robert to the Monacco's in a effort to make things better for Lynn. Lynn saw Tom a short time later and asked if it bothered him and he said that it didn't really.
Robert was sent to visit overseas in order to see if they could effectively grow their business into an international firm. Annie got on a flight to St. Louis and flew to Lynn's sister, Helen's house. Helen wasn't home and Lynn was pregnant so Bruce went to bring her home. Annie didn't want to be home with Robert their. Bruce had a long talk with Annie and told her to call him anytime she wanted to talk or needed help. They developed a close friendship after that. They talked often.
Emily had gotten pregnant by Harris and they were out for the evening when Bruce called and told them that Emily was at the hospital. She had a miscarriage and Robert was quick to blame Lynn for letting her go out with Harris so often without knowing where they were or what they were doing.
Harris's father was a policeman and he brought Harris over to apologize to Emily's parents when Robert just made him miserable. Harris's father told Robert that he needed to realize that he wasn't better than everyone else. He knew that he beat his wife. He had been called the night he pushed Lynn into the bushes but didn't write up a report of the incident out of respect for them being neighbors. That made Robert even madder but he went back inside his house without saying anything else derogatory toward Harris.
Lynn had a son and Emily applied and got accepted into Yale. Robert was estatic until Emily told him that she had turned down the acceptance and she was going to LSU with Harris. Robert told her that he wasn't paying for her to attend another college.
They found out that Josie's cancer was back and this time she was going to die. There was nothing that could be done. She heard what Robert had done to Emily and told Bruce to take the money she had and give it to Emily to use for college. Bruce did that and Robert was furious and when Lynn told him, he slapped her. They were interrupted when their housekeeper came in and saw him hitting her. Lynn knew that others would find out now.
Annie got in a fight with another girl at school because she said something to Annie about her father hitting her mother. Annie didn't believe it and hit the girl to shut her up. She asked Lynn about it and she again denied that it was happening.
Lynn went to the hospital to see Josie and Bruce was there. Josie had gone into a coma and she went home with Bruce to grab something to eat because she wasn't ready to face Robert again yet. They ended up having sex that night and felt guilty because Josie wasn't yet dead and she was still married to Robert.
Josie died and Emily left for college but had another conversation with Lynn and asked her if she was ever curious about Robert's first wife and son. Lynn told her no but the conversation stuck with her. Robert found out that Bruce was given the overseas job that he had been coveting for so long. Robert ended up quitting his job. Lynn wanted to leave him but felt again that Robert had learned his lesson and was paying the price. He would learn from what was happening to him now.
Lynn was trying to save money and went into NY to do some Christmas shopping. She noticed a picture of a dog that looked just like theirs. She went into the shop and found the owner there was Robert's ex-wife. She told Lynn that Robert's story of his family was all a lie. He had come from poor parents and his father beat his wife. They had died in a car accident when his mother had tried to get out of the vehicle when it was moving. His father had tried to grab her when the car ran into a tree and they were both killed. He had beat and kicked her when she was down and she had broked her hip. It hadn't healed properly and she didn't walk well. Lynn was surprised.
Lynn went home and gave Robert the picture. He asked her where she got it and she told him. He got furious again and broke the picture frame and started punching Lynn. He had knocked her out. Annie heard what was going on a had called Bruce. Lynn came to and Bruce was washing her bloody face. Bruce had called Tom and he showed up soon after. Eudora came and stayed for awhile. Tom was an attorney and arranged for a friend to represent her in her divorce. Emily flew home to see Lynn. She went back to school when she knew her mom was going to be okay.
Lynn never saw Tom by herself after that. Tom spent quite a bit of time at her house but he told her that he didn't want to get married again and broke it off with her because he knew that she would never find someone to love her if he stuck around. She was a little shaken up but he told her to go be the best person she could be without needing a man. Lynn decided to move back to St. Louis after talking to her sister. She decided to start a catering business and Eudora asked if she could come along and help. Lynn made her an employee and a partner in her business.
She dated some in the first few years after the divorce. She saw Tom once when he came into town. Emily made it through LSU and was accepted into Harvard Medical School. Annie went into counseling and they found out that she had nightmares of the night that Robert had pushed her into the thornbush. They didn't know that she had seen that happen. She was afraid of Robert because of her nightmares. She grew up and lost twenty pounds after he left. She had her hair straightened and was happier these days. Bruce was still overseas and she didn't know when or if she would ever see him again. Her business was doing well and was finally in the black. She had paid off the loans she got to start her business.
She was working one day when she had a surprise visitor. Bruce had come back to tell Lynn that he was taking over the company business in St. Louis. He was in love with her and wanted to marry her. He was very happy that she was now a successful business woman. They had lunch at the hotel where he was staying and ended up having sex in his room. They then went by her house and the girls were very happy to see him. Emily was home on Christmas break. He told her that it would be a challenge but he and Josie couldn't have children and he was looking forward to raising her children with her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2022
Some people will read this book and not believe this could really happen, but it does. It has nothing to do with race or income or nature vs nurture. It can happen in a run down shack or in a multi-million dollar mansion. The reasons for staying vary from she loves him and believes him when he says it won't happen again to she is just too afraid. Afraid he'll come after her or that she can't make it without him (usually because he's told her so). I had a friend that wouldn't leave because her husband convinced her he could take their son away from her. She was a good mother and had a good job, but she put up with him because of her son. The only time I was frustrated with Lynn was when Robert came to get the books and she told him 'she' was sorry. I did want to slap her then.
August 3, 2022
"Whispers" is a novel involving spousal abuse in the upper middle class family of the Fergusons. Lynn and Robert first met in their 20's. The relationship goes well until their honeymoon. For the next 20 years, we follow the Fergusons through the ups and downs of their marriage, children, and his career. Close friends and family try to persuade Lynn to leave this abusive relationship. However, she always makes excuses for Robert, feels that "it will never happen again", and that she would be disloyal to Robert if she discussed the abuse with others. At times, Lynn's character is maddening! However, her character is fairly true to life.
Ms. Plain does a terrific job of developing her characters, plot, and setting in this often tough to discuss topic.
Ms. Plain does a terrific job of developing her characters, plot, and setting in this often tough to discuss topic.
February 6, 2022
I think this book shows really well the reality of domestic abuse, especially in the 90’s, but it isn’t much different today. Lynn isn’t just a stupid woman that isn’t capable of leaving a man that treats her and her children bad. She is struggling to leave him for so many reasons : she doesn’t have her own money, she doesn’t want to deprive her children of their dad, she is scared, she is denying the abuse and most importantly she LOVES him. He is the worst obviously and I personally hate him but when he’s not having « anger issues » she thinks he’s brilliant and handsome and all because she’s in love, and love blinds you. Anyway, amazing book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2023
Très bon livre ,au début j'étais perplexe car déjà les chapitre ��tait très long et je suis pas habitué à ce genre de vocabulaire dans les livres ,mais au bout d'un moment je m'y suis habituée au vocabulaire et je comprenais de plus en plus les phrase , ducoup je me suis plus mise dans la lecture et on peux dire que je me suis lise dedans à fond honnêtement, les personnage, les bouleversement, vraiment tout même defois ,j'étais à deux doigts de pleurer vraiment c'était incroyable, j'ai adorée le livre et pour moi ça m'a fait un peu une leçon de vie vraiment le petit bémols je trouve que c'est la largeur des chapitres vraiment mais sinon super lecture :)
June 20, 2021
In whispers , Belva plain creates a portrait of an American family in the twentieth century .
Whispers is a tale about Lynn , an upper class American house wife who suffers from her husband's anger who erupts into a physical attack . Instead of fighting back Lynn blames on herself .
While the couple seem to Be living the ultimate American dream . The family secrets explode in a shattering climax and Lynn reveals the secrets behind her husband's attitude and learns how to protect her family , friends and herself.
Whispers is a tale about Lynn , an upper class American house wife who suffers from her husband's anger who erupts into a physical attack . Instead of fighting back Lynn blames on herself .
While the couple seem to Be living the ultimate American dream . The family secrets explode in a shattering climax and Lynn reveals the secrets behind her husband's attitude and learns how to protect her family , friends and herself.
December 8, 2023
A friend accused me of being my own grandma when I told her I was reading some Belva. Well, maybe -- if grandma enjoys solid domestic drama! Whispers was way better than some other granny books I've tried to read. I think you'd have to be brain dead to actually make it through a Danielle Steel, for example. The Belvanator is not without flaws -- she has a tin ear for dialogue (lots of "shalls" and "shan'ts" come out of characters' mouths), but overall this is a solidly constructed, old fashioned, and involving tale. I'm coming for you, next, Fern Michaels!
May 8, 2021
There has been a lot of criticism about the main character of this book, many wonder why she just didn't leave when her husband became abusive. I think that it is very easy to judge someone when you are not in their situation. I found that the story line explained how easy it was for her to accept the blame. It does have a happy ending but in many abusive relationships women do not have outside support and therefore suffer in silence.
March 23, 2018
Whispers and Betrayal
A very deep, sad, but well written book. The plot, spousal abuse, so common in society today is carefully written about here. Good writer but don't recommend book because it is really only about a woman who rises above the abuse, thus had to force myself to continue to the end of the book.
A very deep, sad, but well written book. The plot, spousal abuse, so common in society today is carefully written about here. Good writer but don't recommend book because it is really only about a woman who rises above the abuse, thus had to force myself to continue to the end of the book.
April 5, 2020
I found this book terribly distressing. I hate to think that a woman would think so little of herself as to allow herself to be abused by a male, husband or not. But I know there are women who feel as though they do not know how to survive in the 'real' world. The book was well written but not a subject I care to dwell upon.
January 18, 2021
Whispers by Belva Plain
I have read several books by B.Plain.They all have been terrific. She tells a story and her characters come to life in everyone. This book is informative and teaches some great lessons. I love everything Belva writes. I have re-read several over the years. She never disappoints. This book is amazing. Enjoy!
I have read several books by B.Plain.They all have been terrific. She tells a story and her characters come to life in everyone. This book is informative and teaches some great lessons. I love everything Belva writes. I have re-read several over the years. She never disappoints. This book is amazing. Enjoy!
July 7, 2023
I think I would call this type of story a “soap opera”. But it kept me engaged. I confess I reached a point where I had to know & skipped to the end & read the last couple pages. Satisfied, I then went back to continuing reading where I had been, to see how that ending was brought about. I’m not sure I’ve ever done that before, but I don’t think it spoiled the story for me at all.
July 2, 2017
Good story...held my interest...fast read. Just wish the chapters weren't so long. My first book by Belva Plain...will read more by her. Did anyone else notice that Bruce's hair color was described as brown at the end, and not blonde?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2017
Another upper middle class spousal abuse story.....storyline seemed to drag compared to others I've read by this author. Examines effect of abuse on bystanders....the child, friends, work colleagues.
August 29, 2017
This was a beautifully crafted story that gave perspective from both the abused and the abuser. I also love how the story kept you guessing as to how things would turn out because Ms. Plain included human emotion in the decisions made by the characters.
August 29, 2023
I was initially engaged in the book, but after a couple of chapters, except for the names of the characters it was no different than most other books about spousal abuse. I've read many more original stories by Belva Plain.
August 18, 2017
Better than I expected!
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