On Turpentine Lane: A Novel

Written by Elinor Lipman

Narrated by Mia Barron

At thirty-two, Faith Frankel has returned to her claustro-suburban hometown, where she writes institutional thank-you notes for her alma mater. It's a peaceful life, really, and surely with her recent purchase of a sweet bungalow on Turpentine Lane her life is finally on track. Never mind that her fiance is off on a crowdfunded cross-country walk, too busy to return her texts (but not too busy to post photos of himself with a different woman in every state). And never mind her witless boss, or a mother who lives too close, or a philandering father who thinks he's Chagall. When she finds some mysterious artifacts in the attic of her new home, she wonders whether anything in her life is as it seems.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dreamscape Media Audio
• Release date: Feb 14, 2017
• ISBN: 9781520065212

Elinor Lipman

Elinor Lipman is the award-winning author of sixteen books of fiction and nonfiction, including The Inn at Lake Devine, Isabel’s Bed, I Can’t Complain: (All Too) Personal Essays, On Turpentine Lane, Rachel to the Rescue, and Ms. Demeanor. Her first novel, Then She Found Me, was adapted into a film directed by and starring Helen Hunt, with Bette Midler, Colin Firth, and Matthew Broderick. Lipman was the 2011–12 Elizabeth Drew Professor of Creative Writing at Smith College and divides her time between Manhattan and the Hudson Valley.

Reviews for On Turpentine Lane

[tjsjohanna_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Ms. Lipman knows how to tell a funny and engaging story. Faith is so nice but she is totally being walked all over. I was so glad that at least someone in her life appreciated her for how wonderful she is. There are some interesting side plots, and the jerks in the story are really jerky.

[spinsterrevival · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Well I pretty much adored this; I haven’t read a novel in one sitting for some time, but I didn’t want to put it down. It was hilarious with great characters, romance, and a little murder mystery just for the hell of it!

[valnewhope · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Quick, light, summer "beach read"

[booklover915 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Elinor Lipman's "On Turpentine Lane" is narrated by Faith Frankel, a bright, good-natured, and somewhat gullible woman in her thirties who works in the fundraising office of her alma mater, Everton Country Day, a private school in Massachusetts. She impulsively decides to purchase "a chronic headache masquerading as a charming bungalow," while her freeloading and self-absorbed fianc̩, Stuart Levine, travels across the United States trying "to find his own path." When she gets into trouble, her pushy but protective relatives come to the rescue.

This is a wacky and mildly amusing novel about relationships between partners, parents and children, married couples, and siblings. What makes two people right for one another? What drives formerly affectionate pairs apart? Can husbands and wives who have been married for decades maintain their intimacy and passion? Faith is fortunate to have a wonderful brother, Joel, and the siblings are supportive of their mother when her husband, Henry, behaves badly. Lipman describes the challenges that each character faces with breezy humor; she casts a satirical eye on workplace politics, late-in-life crises, and the pretentions of the super-rich.

Unfortunately, the author goes too far when she throws in an unnecessary subplot about the dark secrets of those who previously owned Faith's home. This superfluous element is a jarring intrusion that does not mesh well with book's tongue-in-cheek tone. At its best, "On Turpentine Lane" is a lighthearted, literate, and pleasant work of romantic fiction. Faith comes to realize that although happiness may be elusive, it is not unattainable.

[alanna1122 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I think this book could be a casualty of bad timing. I feel like it had an awful lot of what I like about books - quirky characters - fresh story line - it even had short chapters! But something didn't click for me. It definitely felt like work at the end to pick it up and finish it. I wonder if a different time and place I would have felt more engaged.

[triscuit_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Bit of a Lipman throw-away. I loved some of her earlier novels and don't expect every one to be as great!

[debkrenzer · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Coming back to write this review, I just can't keep from laughing. Poor Faith Frankel has got the biggest idiot that ever lived for a fiancee. I'm sorry but if you read this book, you will know. How she never saw that until he decided to do a marathon across America, I will never know.Luckily, she does discover that fact. This was a cute little romance book that has plenty of chuckles. For those of you who care - there is no sex. I really enjoyed hearing about the exes, the best part was when they portrayed themselves however. The author did a great job with their characters. She left nothing to the imagination. I loved the "date" Faith found for Brooke after she broke up with Faith's fiancee.Oh and the deal with Faith's father and Tracy - HILARIOUS. He so deserved it. I hope you can tell that I really, really enjoyed this book. Entertaining, endearing, enjoyable and downright funny.Thanks Houghton, Mifflin and Harcourt for approving my request and to Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

[pgchuis · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A very charming story about Faith, who ditches Stuart, her inattentive fiance, who is walking (very slowly) across the US to discover himself, buys a house "on Turpentine Lane", which turns out to have a dodgy past, and is supported by co-worker Nick when accused of financial impropriety at work.I loved Nick - I do appreciate a relationship that is easy and kind - and also Faith's frustrating but loving family. A warm book - even the unpleasant characters mostly have happy-ish endings - and very funny in a dry way. Apart from a slight confusion as to why the police needed to dig up the cellar when there was no question that the men had fallen down the stairs - it was whether they had been pushed that was in dispute - I would recommend this book very highly.

[reluctanttechie · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A humorous reading interlude for me. I've been a fan of her earlier work, The Pursuit of Alice Thrift, which I do recommend to many library customers. However, this time, I think she went a few steps too far in unlikely and unresolved plot lines, so that I won't be recommending this one. A pleasant interlude, but not quite a winner in my corner.

[smallwonder56_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Elinor Lipman, you've done it again. You've given us a witty novel full of interesting characters. I laughed, I worried, then I laughed some more. Faith, the main character, buys a house without letting her boyfriend know, and you go through all the discoveries she does about the history of the house and the people who lived there. Lots of surprises, lots of bad and good life decisions by Faith. Wonderful writing, as always, from Lipman. Now I just have to wait for her to write another.

[loried_5 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Once again, Elinor Lipman has written a fun novel with loads of humor, romance, and even a little mystery. The characters are entertaining and the plot is interesting. It was a refreshing change from some of the heavier novels I've read recently. I flew through the book. I highly recommend the book.

[froxgirl · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Lipman lite - I so miss one of my favorites, the skilled and hilarious author of The Pursuit of Alice Thrift and Isabel's Bed. Lipman lately has been turning into a Rom-Com writer and my expectations suffer as a result. Here, the novel begins with Faith Frankel at 32, with an unreliable BF who's wandering the country in search of - ?, with Faith funding half with her credit card. She is the victim of a mini-scandal at her job and buys a creepy old house. Her father leaves her mother for a younger woman. Yes, there are points of light - her father paints ersatz Chagalls for Bar Mitzvah presents - but there's all the neat little painless wrap-ups which makes this more of a beach read. Gravitas and real conflict needed badly!

[bell7_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Faith Frankel has recently come back to her roots in Everton, and decides to buy the house at 10 Turpentine Lane - without telling her fiance, Stuart, who's off on a cross-country walking tour finding himself after an emergency appendectomy has him philosophizing about life. Then all hell breaks loose in her office, because one of the school's donors made out a substantial check to Faith herself, rather than the school she works for, and the only person who stands up for her is her officemate Nick. Throw in a little bit of mystery about the previous occupants of Faith's new house, and you've got the flavor of Elinor Lipman's newest novel, featuring an independent heroine, eccentric relatives, and lots of heart and humor.I expected some light, fun reading and was not disappointed. Faith's family was hilarious and heartbreaking by turns, and I found myself both maddened by them and cheering for them. The funny, fast dialog is Lipman's standard fare, and I really enjoyed the time I spent with the characters populating On Turpentine Lane.

[lisa Dorr · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

This plot was too leggy and unfocused to hold my attention. It may have been that the audio was too slow and deliberate—it may have been more effective with a more chatty tone.

[lisa5127 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A little cheesy, a little predictable, but a lot of fun

[boundtogetherforgood · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I believe this book was recommended to me by Amazon.I didn't actually know a lot about it before reading it and that worked well. This is a story of perseverance, and fate. There's a love story, but it's entwined in a bit of a mystery.

[etxgardener · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Memo to self: Do not take book recommendations from People magazine. Totally ridiculous

[Tammy · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It was a very enjoyable, fresh and quick read.

[celiafrances · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Well I pretty much adored this; I haven’t read a novel in one sitting for some time, but I didn’t want to put it down. It was hilarious with great characters, romance, and a little murder mystery just for the hell of it!

[detailmuse · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This novel is trademark Elinor Lipman -- a witty, optimistic, comedy-of-manners about a family whose quirky members work their way through relationships that break, morph or endure. It’s more a collection of subplots than a main storyline, so while Lipman’s abundant dialogue makes the pages fly, the story itself (a little mystery) builds slowly and the pleasure (as always, with Lipman) is in being surprised and entertained by the characters.(Review based on an advance reading copy provided by the publisher.)

[jaylia3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I became so attached to the characters of On Turpentine Lane, and the sometimes wild ride we were all on, that I felt a real sense of loss when the book ended. It’s usually that way when I’m reading novels by Elinor Lipman, which combine playful wit with non-sappy but heart-warming story lines. While her fiancé is off finding himself in a cross-country walk he’s hyping on social media, main character Faith Frankel works for her alma mater hand writing thank you notes to donors, but personally and professionally things quickly go askew and get interesting. Picture a modern comedy of manners with snappy repartee or a light-hearted but smart and engaging rom-com with a plot full of twists and turns and characters you root for and you’ll have the idea. A fun and non-guilty pleasure. I read an advanced review copy of this book supplied to me by the publisher with no cost or obligation. Review opinions are mine.

[dianaleez · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Elinor Lipman’s “On Turpentine Lane” is everything that her readers will appreciate. Likeable characters, clever dialogue, and an interesting plot provide a light, entertaining read. Lipman is indeed a master of the genre.Briefly (almost 25 words or less), Faith Frankel buys a bungalow on the aforesaid Turpentine Lane only to discover that the house has a shady history. (Yes, Nancy Drew would surely call it ‘The Mystery of Shady Lane.)Simultaneously her life suffers a seismic shift or two.When the story opens thirty-two-year old Faith is unofficially engaged to the peripatetic Stuart who is walking across country to find his own path in life. And, by the way, he’s financing his journey in large measure by using Faith’s credit card.Faith is paying those bills mainly by writing thank you notes to Everton County Day donors and sharing an office with the charming Nick Franconi.What could possibly go wrong?With Lipman it’s not the destination, but the journey that counts. Anything that can go wrong does. But the sage reader, who has a good idea how that last chapter will end, can sit back, pop a chocolate or two, and enjoy.Brava Elinor! You’ve done it again![An advance copy of this book was provided by the publisher through the Amazon Vine program.]

[carolfoisset · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Engaging book with well developed characters. I enjoy Lipman's writing style and her humor. Perfect read while on vacation.

[marquis784-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

On Turpentine Lane by Elinor Lipman

2017

This is a fantastic "beach read." It was a nice break from the "heavy" psychological thrillers I've been reading! This book is a light and funny romantic comedy with a little mystery. The plot is somewhat outrageous but achieving its goal to entertain the reader.

When Faith Frankle buys a house in her old neighborhood, she never imagined the mystery she would uncover. She wonders if anything in her life could go smoothly. She has a fiancé who went to find himself backpacking across the country and detailing his travels online. Then, she has a rather tame job at her alma mater writing thank you notes to generous alumni. Her quirky family offer comedic relief while the mystery On Turpentine Lane unravels.

This is the book for you if you are looking for a light humorous summer read.

[rmarcin-630843 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Cute book about Faith Frankel, who works in the endowment office at a private school in Massachusetts. Her love life with Stuart has hit a bump, but isn't the only upheaval in her life. She buys a house, and then discovers it has secrets! Nick, her office mate, also has a relationship end, her parents' marriage is at a crossroads, and her brother, Joel, is trying to find a new love. Cute romantic comedy.