She's Come Undone

Wally Lamb

5/15/2004

Dolores' first memories are from when she is about four years old. Her mother and father dominate her life. The early memories are the few good family memories she has. Life isn't easy for Dolores. By the time she is thirteen, she feels alienated from her family. Her one hero betrays her. She does poorly in social skills and can't get along in her parochial school.

Dolores' mother feels guilty for the life Dolores has. She gives in to Dolores' cravings. Dolores caves into herself. In high school one counselor becomes Dolores' friend. He and her mother conspire against her to make her improve her life. Unfortunately, their solution adds to the problems Dolores has. By the time she is 40, Dolores has experienced most tragedies life can throw at her. Yet she endures.

There is absolutely no way to describe the story line of this book without giving away important plot parts. She's Come Undone is a powerful, poignant book about a girl who manages to find herself - sort of. It's a quick, easy read. But it's not a book to be quickly forgotten. Dolores Price stays with you.

This is an oft repeated comments about She's Come Undone, but I have to add my two cents anyway - is the author really a man? It amazes me a man can understand the female psyche so well. Often I was empathizing with Dolores as she narrated the novel. I knew some of people she had in her life, just under a different name. I understood what she was feeling. I know the feelings of betrayal, fear, uncertainty, tentative happiness, and love she experiences. This is a good book for book club discussions. It's an excellent book to read.

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Notice: Sexual situations and violence