Somewhere Off the Coast of Maine

by Ann Hood

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Description

It is 1969, and as Peter, Paul, and Mary croon on the radio, poster paints splash the latest antiwar slogans. Suzanne, a poet, lives in a Maine beach house awaiting the birth of her love child, whom she will name Sparrow. Claudia, who weds a farmer during college, is planning to raise three strong sons. And Elizabeth and Howard get married, organize protest marches, and try to raise their two children with their own earthy, hippie values.

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4 reviews
I'm pretty sure this book won't win any literary prizes, but it was good enough that I never had any doubt that I'd keep reading after Nancy Pearl's 50-page cut-off point. It's quite an interesting examination of what happens to three women who were college age in the 1960s. I think what makes this book a cut above its peers is the inclusion of a second generation, the children of the three women. We get to see the women from their children's perspective. That's something which interests me: what do my children think of my generation, and me in particular? (Answer: They don't care, they just want us to keep out of their lives). How have I impacted on their lives? (Answer: Probably more than they are aware right now. With any luck we'll show more die before they find out what a crap life we've set them up in). show less
½
Started reading it and realized I've read it before. Still, read it through again. A little unsatisfying - I like less ambiguous endings - I wanted to know what would be happening next. I felt like it just ended.
Three friends, three very different stories that merge first in the late sixties, and then later in the 80's. From carefree college days to parenthood and earning a living, the three women have gone in different directions, shaped by decisions and tragedies. Our most interesting view of them is finally through the eyes of their children, all of whom have been influenced by the same forces of the past.
½
Somewhere Off the Coast of Maine by Ann Hood
3 women who grew up in the late 60's their children are now of age in the 80's.
Starts off with Sparrow (Susan) and her mother Susanne who is constantly asking about her real father, pictures, lifestyle etc.
Rebecca has no friends and she thinks it's because of her big nose, she needs a nose job.
Story also follows her parents and the diagnosis of cancer.
Claudia and Simon and many other combinations of people. Confusing at times but a good story.
Also goes back in time while the next chapter is present day involving the parents or the children-now adults.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

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47+ Works 5,804 Members
Ann Hood was born on December 9, 1956, in West Warwick, R.I. She attended the University of Rhode Island and New York University. For several years, she worked as a flight attendant before pursuing her dream of becoming a writer. Ann Hood had a dream of writing ever since her first "novel" at the age of 11. It was not until 1987, with the show more publication of Somewhere off the Coast of Maine that she received the recognition she had been longing for. Set in the period from the 1960s to the 1980s, the story deals with the lives of three women of the Vietnam era and their children. Strong on emotion and personal growth, Hood's writing frequently examines the intricacies of various levels of relationships. Other works include Something Blue, which also involves the association between three friends. (Bowker Author Biography) show less

Some Editions

Svenson, Elsa (Translator)

Common Knowledge

Canonical title
Somewhere Off the Coast of Maine
Original publication date
1988-03-12

Classifications

Genres
Fiction and Literature, General Fiction
DDC/MDS
813.54Literature & rhetoricAmerican literature in EnglishAmerican fiction in English1900-19991945-1999
LCC
PS3558 .O537 .S6Language and LiteratureAmerican literatureAmerican literatureIndividual authors1961-
BISAC

Statistics

Members
250
Popularity
129,777
Reviews
4
Rating
½ (3.45)
Languages
English, Swedish
Media
Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
ISBNs
10
ASINs
4