Geezettes: The Adventures of Seven Retired Women

by: Mary Ellen Erickson, Ph.D.

Published by: iUniverse Star

Reviewed by Connie Anderson

“It seemed to be a sign of having made it in life if you had a home in some warm climate,” the author wrote.

In the novel, Erickson writes about several North Dakota retired “snowbirds” living in Arizona, some for just the winter, others full-time. Of these seven women friends, five are married, plus a widower and divorcee. One couple, Melva (Mel) and Al, for example are newly retired, both age 63, and married 40 years. “

The dictionary says a geezer is an eccentric old man. Today’s definition of OLD certainly has changed with life expectancy in the 80s. The author, herself in the age range of her characters, has them dwell a great deal on age…aging…getting old–and dying. They all live in developments where everyone is over 60. It felt that they seldom talked about getting old, but being OLD.

I became sad reading about their retirement lives: the men golfing all day, going their own way—and the women talking, talking, talking. Finally one woman admits she’s an alcoholic and they all begin to help her in recovery, and through it, share some life experiences. Their friendships are strengthened and now on a different level.

Mel (with Al’s reluctant involvement) helped others in the group work on their relationships and how they looked at themselves. Yeah, Mel and Al.

The couple with the strongest relationship and life view decides to sell their Arizona home and return to North Dakota to be with their children and grandchildren, and play an active role in their community. They plan winter visits to their Arizona friends.

Maybe “age” is relevant when based on the reader’s age. If you are 20 or 30, maybe 63 sounds old, but I don’t think most 20-to-30-year-old children would describe their parents at 63 as OLD—but getting older. Maybe their grandparents in their 80s are old…and maybe not.

Armchair Interviews says: A story of seven women who help each other have better lives going forward, whether in their married relationship, addiction, or dating after divorce or loss of a spouse.

Author’s Web site: http://www.DrMarysBooks.com