Contents
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Introduction
Maria Semple’s Where’d You Go, Bernadette is a novel about an agoraphobic architect and mother, Bernadette Fox, who goes missing just before a family vacation to Antarctica. The novel, told primarily through email exchanges, correspondence, and documents, follows the search for Bernadette by her husband and fifteen-year-old daughter as they attempt to piece together the events leading up to her disappearance.
##While the mystery of Bernadette’s disappearance is central to the novel, Semple uses the format of the novel to explore themes of marriage, parenthood, genius, mental illness, and societal expectations. Where’d You Go, Bernadette is a fast-paced and often funny novel that will keep readers guessing until the very end.
Plot
When Bernadette Fox, an innovative and acclaimed architect, suddenly disappears, her 15-year-old daughter Bee sets out to find her.What follows is Bee’sfun and touching journey to uncover the truth of her mother’s disappearance. Told through a series of personal e-mails between Bee and her father, where’d you go bernadette is a heartwarming story about a family’s love and support for each other during difficult times.
Characters
The titular Bernadette is a willowy, white WAHM nearing 50 who spends most of her time glued to her laptop, planning elaborate “artworks” (she’s an architect) or escaping to Antarctica via Google Earth. Her Indian-American husband Elgin is a gentle, good-looking robotic engineer who has given up his successful career to stay home and raise their daughter, Bee.
Themes
The novel explores themes of mental illness, Tourette syndrome, agoraphobia, parenthood, and genius.
Setting
The novel is set in Seattle, Washington, where Bee Branch and her daughter,Bee, live. The story starts when Bernadette Fox, Bee’s mother and a world-famous architect, goes missing.
Style
While the writing style is witty and sharp, some readers may find it too choppy and difficult to follow. The book is written as a series of emails, documents, and transcripts, which can be confusing to keep track of.
Conclusion
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it in two sittings. I was hesitant to start it because I’ve heard so many mixed reviews, but I’m really glad I did. The characters are lovable and the story is funny, heartwarming, and just a little bit quirky – everything I love in a good book!
Rating
Where’d You Go, Bernadette is a novel by Maria Semple that was published in 2012. It tells the story of Bernadette Fox, a brilliant architect and mother who goes missing just before a family vacation to Antarctica.
The novel was well-received by critics, with many praising Semple’s writing style and humor. However, some felt that the novel was contrived and lacked depth. Overall, Where’d You Go, Bernadette is an enjoyable read with a strong central performance from its titular character.
Recommendation
I recommend this book to people who like novels about family, mental illness, and disappearances. It’s a fun, fast read, with great characters.
Further Reading
If you’re interested in learning more about light, medium and dark roasts, check out our comprehensive guide.
