Product Description

From the bestselling author of THE RED TENT come a contemporary novel that explores the burden of secrets, the weight of grief and the healing power of female friendship When Kathleen meets Joyce, each woman has come to a turning point in her life. Kathleen, whose sister died of breast cancer fifteen years earlier, has just been diagnosed herself and finds her world abruptly thrown into terrifying turmoil. While Joyce, increasingly distant from her awkward, adolescent daughter, is taking stock of her marriage and family, and struggling to get to grips with a burgeoning career as a novelist. Neither realizes that their chance meeting will result in a life-altering friendship. A mutual appreciation of books initially brings the women together and they rapidly fall into friendship, taking long walks along Good Harbor beach and talking about their lives. Piece by piece, they begin to share their personal histories and acknowledge how much they can learn from each other. But long-hidden secrets are often difficult to reveal and only after some painful soul-searching do they each come to terms with the fact that sharing those startling secrets can help them confront their emotional scars. Good Harbor is a rich and moving novel about the tragedy of loss, the insidious nature of family secrets and, ultimately, the redemptive power of friendship.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #222414 in Books
• Published on: 2003-07-04
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 336 pages

About the Author
Anita Diamant's first novel, THE RED TENT, was a Sunday Times bestseller for Pan and has been on bestseller lists worldwide - spending over 2 years on the New York Times list. Diamant lives in Massachusetts with her husband and daughter.

Customer Reviews

Good Harbor.....peaceful.....serene
This novel is based in Cape Ann beach, Glouchester.

I had a great time reading this book, the first for me by Anita Diamante.

I love the way it is written. With touches of simplicity and gentleness; Good Harbor is all about a deep friendship between two women. Kathleen fifty nine is a librarian is troubled by Breast cancer; and Joyce a forty two year old writer who becomes her buddy and sounding board.....seeing her through her this desperate part of her life.

As Kathleen's radiation treatments start, the two women walk the beach each day. During these theraputic walks, many secrets are exchanged and they discuss everything under the sun; health issues, their Jewish religion, food, relationships, their fears about their children....their husbands. All the big things they hold dear in their hearts to the little things of life, Joyce and Kathleen keep their talks centred on their lives.
A special book about two special families, this would make a wonderful gift for a sister or a special buddy.

reviewed by Heather Marshall (nettle-girl)

Disappointing follow up
I was eagery awaiting this as I thought The Red Tent was a brilliant book but was an extremely dissapointing follow up. Although the story has potential the writing was wishy washy and the character development was poor. I found it hard to believe that this was the same author that wrote so well in The Red Tent. Lets hope she gets back on track with the next novel.

Better than the first!
Although I loved The Red Tent it left me feeling a bit empty. Good Harbour satisfied me from beginning to end. I loved getting to know the two main characters. I felt I was sharing in the special bond between them. It is an uncomplicated read about everyday life, meaningful but lighthearted and amusing in parts.