Elizabeth’s Mountain is an emotionally rich story written by Lucille Guarino. This book is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the enduring strength of family. Published in 2024, Elizabeth’s Mountain is Lucille’s second book.
The book, Elizabeth’s Mountain, follows the life of Elizabeth, a strong-willed and independent woman who has lived a long and eventful life. While reflecting on her past as she reaches her 90th birthday, Elizabeth struggles with the decision to sell her mountain home, where she has lived for many years.
Book Review: Elizabeth’s Mountain by Lucille Guarino
The story revolves around, Elizabeth, a 90-year-old matriarch surrounded by her family including her granddaughter Amanda. Amanda, who recently ended a long-term relationship with Tom, moved in with Elizabeth to care for her.
As Elizabeth faces the possibility of selling her beloved mountain home, she reflects on the importance of family, love, and the memories that have shaped her life.
Setting ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Elizabeth’s Mountain is set against the backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains, particularly in the Blue Ridge Mountain range. The setting is integral to the narrative, symbolizing the enduring strength and stability of the protagonist, Elizabeth, throughout her life.
The mountain is not merely a backdrop but a living, breathing part of the story that holds together the memories, experiences, actions, and emotions of the characters. The mountain’s isolation also serves to highlight the introspective journey that Elizabeth undergoes as she reflects on her past and contemplates the future.
The farmhouse on the mountain, where Elizabeth spends her later years, becomes a sanctuary for her and her family. The descriptions of the lush greenery, vibrant wildflowers, and ever-changing seasons provide a vivid and immersive experience for the reader.
Plot ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The plot of Elizabeth’s Mountain is a rich tapestry woven with the threads of love, loss, and resilience. The story begins with Elizabeth reflecting on her 90th birthday, surrounded by her loving family.
However, beneath the surface of this seemingly joyful occasion lies Elizabeth’s internal struggle over a significant decision: whether to sell her beloved home and the surrounding land to developers. This dilemma sets the stage for a series of flashbacks that chronicle Elizabeth’s life, from her humble beginnings during the Great Depression to her later years as a matriarch of a close-knit family.
The story also delves into the life of Amanda, Elizabeth’s granddaughter, who moves in with her after ending a long-term, stagnant relationship. Amanda’s journey of self-discovery and healing parallels Elizabeth’s, creating a multi-generational narrative that explores the enduring bonds of family.
The narrative is divided into multiple timelines, seamlessly shifting between Elizabeth’s past and the present.
Through these flashbacks, we learn about the significant events that shaped Elizabeth’s life: her difficult childhood marked by poverty, the tragic death of her younger sister, Posey, a severe bus accident, and the devastating loss of her fiancé, Robbie, in the Korean War. This loss left Elizabeth devastated and led her into a half-baked relationship with Jim Madigan, one of Robbie’s friends.
These events are not merely recounted but deeply explored, allowing the reader to understand the emotional and psychological impact they had on Elizabeth.
The plot is a slow burn, with each chapter revealing new layers of the characters’ lives, leading to a poignant and satisfying conclusion.
Themes ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Elizabeth’s Mountain explores themes that deeply resonate with readers. A key theme is the concept of home, symbolizing more than just a physical space for Elizabeth; it’s a place filled with memories, love, and loss. Her decision to sell it reflects the emotional struggle of letting go and the inevitability of change.
Family is another significant theme, particularly the strength passed down through generations of women in Elizabeth’s family. As a matriarch, Elizabeth guides her children and grandchildren while dealing with her own uncertainties.
Grief and loss are also central themes. Elizabeth’s life is shaped by the deaths of her sister Posey and fiancé Robbie, with the novel portraying how grief can isolate but also connect people.
Finally, the novel touches on aging and mortality. Elizabeth reflects on her life, physical limitations, and future fears, while celebrating the wisdom that comes with age.
Writing Style ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lucille Guarino’s writing in Elizabeth’s Mountain is lyrical and evocative, capturing both the emotional depth of the characters and the beauty of the setting. Her rich descriptions bring the mountains and Elizabeth’s farmhouse to life, creating a strong sense of place that immerses readers.
The novel’s nonlinear structure adds depth by showing how past events influence the present, with seamless transitions between timelines. Guarino’s characters are fully developed, especially Elizabeth, who is portrayed with strength, vulnerability, and wisdom. The dialogue feels natural, enhancing each character’s voice.
Her attention to detail and her deep understanding of human emotions make the novel a moving and memorable experience. Overall, Guarino’s elegant yet accessible writing makes the novel a memorable experience.
| Setting | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Plot | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Writing Style | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Themes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Vowelor Review: A touching story that intertwines the past and present in a rich tapestry of emotions and family bonds. | 4.5 |
Reasons to Add this Book to Your TBR
Elizabeth’s Mountain is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the enduring strength of family. The novel’s emotional depth will resonate with readers who enjoy stories about the complexities of human relationships.
Also, the characters are fully realized and deeply relatable. Elizabeth, in particular, is a compelling protagonist whose journey will leave a lasting impression on readers.
The novel explores the relationships between multiple generations of women, offering a rich and nuanced portrayal of family dynamics. Readers who enjoy stories about family legacies will find much to appreciate in the book.
Lastly, the novel touches on important themes such as grief, aging, and the meaning of home. These themes are explored with sensitivity and depth, making Elizabeth’s Mountain a thought-provoking read.
About the Author: Lucille Guarino
Lucille Guarino is an award-winning author from New Jersey, United States. As a tribute to her mother’s life, she wrote her first book ‘Like Wine’ in 2007. But, she considers ‘Elizabeth’s Mountain’, published in 2024, her true debut novel.
She has been awarded with prestigious awards including the Literary Titan Gold Book Award and Readers’ Favorite Award. Her book ‘Elizabeth’s Mountain’ was also a finalist in the 2024 American Writing Award contest for the elite Hawthorne Prize.
Lucille has lived most of her life in northern New Jersey and now lives in South Carolina with her husband, and close to her two daughters and grandchildren.
