Title: The Amateur Marriage: A Novel
Author: Anne Tyler
Narrator: Blair Brown
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Published: 2004
About: The Amateur Marriage is the sweeping tale of a marriage that begins during WWII and ends in the 2000s. Tyler’s story is about a young couple, Pauline and Michael, who meet and quickly marry in the early 1940s. After the war they settle into work, children and life in the Baltimore suburbs. As the kids grow up life gets complicated. The story moves briefly to San Francisco and then back to Baltimore.
My take: I think Blair Brown is a good narrator for this sort of novel. The vocal nuance she gave each character worked beautifully. I’ll look for more of her audiobook performances.
I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy The Amateur Marriage early on but I kept listening and was kind of sad to see it end. The effect of one of Pauline and Michael’s teen-age kids actions is felt for the rest of their lives. But life goes on and so do each of them. Tyler takes us through the phases of the Anton family. Although the specifics would obviously be unique, it’s really the story of many marriages and families to one degree or another. For that reason alone this would be a good selection for a book club.
I’ve read a few of Anne Tyler’s novels over the years but not for a while. The Amateur Marriage is a good reminder of why I enjoy her books. It’s full of imperfect people with hopes and dreams – just like all of us. Recommended.
Source: I bought it.
Bookfan 
This sounds like a good one, Mary. Glad you enjoyed it. I’ve never read any of Tyler’s books but I do like family stories. There’s always something familiar and that I can relate to.
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I love imperfect people. :O)
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I love Tyler’s work and thought this book was great!
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I’ve enjoyed the Tyler books I’ve read in the past. Somehow I missed this one. It sounds good!
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I read this one ages ago and remember really liking it because I’m drawn to those family sagas that follow each member of the family over the years.
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I am not sure if I have ever read anything by Tyler, but this book does sound rather interesting to me. I think that after reading your review I might have to check it out. Perhaps even on audio! Thanks!
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Oh I do not know. But I liked the review 🙂
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I’d love to read about imperfect people in a marriage and in families. Thanks for the recommendation.
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I’ve seen this book before and thought it sounded like something I might like. Seeing as how you enjoyed it, I probably would too.
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I haven’t read a Tyler novel in ages either, but have always loved her (especially b/c she’s from B/more my hometown). Great review!
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I do enjoy Tyler although, like you, it’s been awhile since I read one of her books. I have this one on my shelf, so I’m glad you’re recommending it.
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I’ve read a few of Anne Tyler’s books and liked all of them. I’m always looking for a good audiobook so I’ll keep this one in mind.
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This one is completely new to me but you’ve made me curious to discover her now. I loved the insight into this… getting more more and more curious to try audio books next.
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I’m pretty sure I read this quite awhile ago. It would have made for a good audio I think. I haven’t read any Anne Tyler books in awhile …it is probably time.
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I read this one and, for some reason, didn’t really care for it. I’m thinking it might have played better in audio form 🙂
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