Good Riddance (Lipman) - Book Reviews

Book Reviews
The premise, which delves into questions of Daphne’s parentage as well as her romantic past and future, is old-fashioned, sometimes to a point requiring some generosity from the reader.… Daphne comes across as a bit primly Victorian, prickly and unyielding. But Lipman dresses the plot up with contemporary cultural touches.… Good Riddance is a caper novel, light as a feather and effortlessly charming. It will not save lives or enrich them in an enduring way.… But the book inspires a very specific kind of modern joy. I read it fast, in a weekend, during which I did not find my social media accounts or tidying my house nearly as diverting as what was on these pages. Being more attractive than Twitter may sound like a low bar, but in these distractible times, it feels like a genuine achievement.
Mary Pols - New York Times Book Review


True to form, Ms. Lipman blends a pair of highly appealing love stories into this farrago. The author has long been one of our wittiest chroniclers of modern-day romance.… [T]he most touching subplot in Good Riddance follows Daphne’s widowed father’s intrepid attempts to rejoin the dating scene.… Ms. Lipman’s writing is brisk and intelligent, and if the plot of this novel is zanier than her usual fare, that too may show just how plugged-in she is to our farfetched times.S
Sam Sacks - Wall Street Journal


[Lipman is] pulling off a clever trick, though it may not be evident until the last page.… The characters in Good Riddance don’t necessarily develop.… It would be easy, and not messy at all, to say this isn’t Lipman’s best novel.… However, when you come to the end of Good Riddance, you might disagree, and you’ll definitely be delighted. Can an entire book function as a shaggy-dog story? My answer is yes, although for me that twist ending wasn’t necessarily worth the trip. What was: Lipman’s portrait of Daphne.… Despite her complaining, Daphne is an intriguing heroine, and if you love Lipman’s work, you may love her, too.
Bethane Patrick - Washington Post


Lipman’s satisfying latest is a worthy addition to her long lineup of smart, witty novels.… [A] charming romantic comedy… with a stellar cast of supporting characters… and intelligent and lyrical prose… [This is] a delightful treat readers will want to savor.
Publishers Weekly


Fans of Lipman will cheer for a new novel in her signature style: funny, warm, sharp, smart, and full of love for family, no matter how flawed. —Julie Kane, Washington & Lee Lib., Lexington, VA
Library Journal


[A[ smart, sassy, and satisfying rom-com.… [Lipman] once again delivers a tightly woven, lightly rendered, but insightfully important novel of the pitfalls to be avoided and embraced on one’s path to self-discovery. —Carol Haggas
Booklist


[P]retty silly, and very contrived, but this author has a black belt in silly contrivance and a faithful horde of fans who are looking for just that. Au courant elements like… online courses for becoming a chocolatier add a fresh twist…. Lipman's narrative brio keeps things moving at a good clip.
Kirkus Reviews