I chose to read, "Ladies' Lunch", a collection of short stories by Lore Segal, because of the author and the subject matter. How can one not pay attention to a writer who at 95 is still writing? And the subject matter of aging should interest everyone; for aren't we all getting older?

Some of the stories involve a group of women who have shared a lunch once a month over a period of many years. The health of most of the women is a subject of much discussion. Also the moving of one of the women, Lotte, to an assisted living facility is another subject addressed in the stories. Just how are they going to visit her?

I was especially moved by one story about a rabbi who brought together a group of Jews and non Jews in order to bridge the chasm that existed about their views on the Holocaust.

Did I love this book of short stories? I can't really say that I did. But I'm glad that I read it. It was intriguing enough for people of a certain age, to pick it up and enjoy it. Unfortunately, younger people will probably avoid anything that might make them feel uncomfortable. And that will be their loss.

I received an electronic ARC from Melville House Publishing through NetGalley.
Segal's wit shines through this collection of short stories about a group of elderly women who get together less and less as they age. These stories capture aging in its joy and weariness. Readers come with them as they gather for lunch each month and as they reminisce about events in their lives that shaped them. Each story could stand on its own but they are at their best when woven together in the reader's mind to tell the entire picture of these women. You'll find your favorites among them and you'll laugh and then cry as they reveal more about themselves.
She is a master at the light touch with the punch underneath.

Interesting stories. These stories are told in an interesting way. I liked most of them, and there's a decent variety. I really appreciate the free copy for review!!

I don't know if I am not smart enough for this book, but I was completely lost while reading this. The stories were hard to follow despite being short and I barely understood what was happening.