The Conditions of Love, Dale M. Kushner
The Conditions of Love, Dale M. Kushner
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The Conditions of Love

Author: Dale M. Kushner

Narrator: Tara Ochs

Unabridged: 16 hr 25 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 05/14/2013

Synopsis

Dale M. Kushner's novel The Conditions of Love traces the journey of a girl from childhood to adulthood as she reckons with her parents' abandonment, her need to break from society's limitations, and her overwhelming desire for spiritual and erotic love. In 1953, ten-year-old Eunice lives in the backwaters of Wisconsin with her outrageously narcissistic mother, a manicureeste and movie star worshipper. Abandoned by her father as an infant, Eunice worries that she will become a misfit like her mother. When her mother's lover, the devoted Sam, moves in, Eunice imagines her life will finally become normal. But her hope dissolves when Sam gets kicked out, and she is again alone with her mother. A freak storm sends Eunice away from all things familiar. Rescued by the shaman-like Rose, Eunice's odyssey continues with a stay in a hermit's shack and ends with a passionate love affair with an older man. Through her capacity to redefine herself, reject bitterness and keep her heart open, she survives and flourishes. In this, she is both ordinary and heroic. At once fable and realistic story, The Conditions of Love is a book about emotional and physical survival. Through sheer force of will, Eunice saves herself from a doomed life.

This engaging examination of a mother and daughter's relationship will appeal to the same audience that embraced Mona Simpson's acclaimed classic Anywhere But Here and Elizabeth Strout's bestselling Amy and Isabelle.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Red on September 10, 2013

Kushner's debut novel (hard to believe it is her first) is a memorable masterpiece. When I finished reading it, I did not want to write a Goodreads review, I wanted to re-read it. My first read was fast, as I was totally engrossed in the characters and the plot. I could not wait to see how this unst......more

Goodreads review by L. on February 22, 2013

Set in three distinct sections, The Conditions of Love is a must read for anyone who wishes to experience a whole new way to look at various stages of love. Through lead character Eunice, readers are introduced to Mern, her eccentric mother, Rose, a mysterious shaman-like woman of the woods, and Fox......more

Goodreads review by Marie on August 08, 2013

Conditions of Love, by Dale M. Kushner is one of those "I cant go on to another book yet, the characters and story are still dancing in my head" kind of book. The story line is so unique, the characters come to life each with their own upbringing history as the writing spins this tale of CONDITIONS O......more

Goodreads review by John on May 18, 2013

This book is stellar, and it is probably the best novel I have read in many years. I read it through in one sitting, because I could not put it down. If you want a book with unforgettable characters you will care about deeply, painted in living color with language that is spot-on perfect, and a page......more

Goodreads review by Kasia on February 13, 2022

A beautiful story about love and loss and the gift of finding yourself in the world with the help of fellow kindred spirits. Eunice' and Rose's story was simply incredible, the trust you build with these characters and the care for them really made this book pull on the heartstrings. I feared for th......more

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