“Rehab ruins your drinking forever, I swear. Even if you’re not an alcoholic, you’ll question your drinking habits for the rest of your life.” -- Hildy Good
The first comments about The Good House were that it was a quick read and an enjoyable story. Discussion focused on the main character Hildy Good’s denial of her alcoholism as the main theme. The interconnection of small town relationships in fictional North Shore town of Wendover, Massachusetts played a big part in the progression of the story as well. Gossip changed to high drama as townies’ secrets were exposed and scandal turned to tragedy.
Rebecca McAllister, a beautiful and wealthy newcomer, enters Hildy’s life as a drinking buddy and confidant. Rebecca is a change agent in the story. She begins an affair with psychiatrist Peter Newbold, whom Hildy has known since he was a child, which leads to disaster for him and relatively little consequence for her (Rebecca). Rebecca’s unstable moods were in contrast to Hildy’s drinking and both of their relationships with family, friends and standing in the community. Rebecca left Wendover, while Hildy remained and faced her demons head on. It was too late for Peter the psychiatrist who gave up. The group thought he had a chance to redeem himself despite his mistakes because he was a good person at heart.
Outtakes from a Marriage, another novel by Ann Leary, was recommended reading for the group.
Have you read The Good House? What did you think? Please chime in with your thoughts in the comments!
