Customer Reviews

Widow, Virgin, Whore

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
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This first novel by author Deanna Lynn Sletten is a endearing story of sisterhood and friendship. She has captured the essence of sisters and how opposite they can be and the warmth of an eduring friend ship. Women ages 20 to 50 will love this book. When recently widowed Katherine agrees to take into the household her best friend's, Denise's, outragous sister, Darla, she knows it's a prescription for trouble. And Darla doens't dissapoint her with her devil-may-care attitude and raucious lifestyle. To conservative Katherine, and quiet, shy, Denise, Darla's actions are intolerable, and if it wasn't for Darla's twelve-year-old daughter, Chelsea, neither woman would put up with her. But they do, and when Darla is diagnosed with AIDS, the household is turned upside down. Katherine is pulled into Darla's world as she chronicles her experineces with AIDS for newspaper articles read around the country. The experiences they share, the friends they make, touch your very soul. And Katherine soon learns that you can find a friend in the strangest of places. If you are a sister or a best friend, you will love this book!

Deanna Lynn Sletten's Widow, Virgin, Whore is a compelling novel of three very different sisters who must all learn to cope with AIDS, the sickness caused by HIV virus infection, in their lives. Focused upon family life and the strains that conflicting personalities can put on human relationships, Widow, Virgin, Whore Is An Engaging, Introspective, Skillfully Written Novel From First Page To Last.

Widow, Virgin, Whore is an easy read that explores the shifting relationship dynamics between the three main characters and reveals the day-to-day reality/challenges of living with AIDS. This compassionate story is also sprinkled with beautifully poetic descriptions. I particularly like the opening of Chapter 3: "Winter advanced on Seattle with the caution of a new lover, gently caressing the city with rain that could, at times, become ardent as it fell."

Please note: Although the title may appear to suggest otherwise, Widow, Virgin, Whore contains no sexually explicit material.

It all began with buying a beautiful victorian home in Seattle for a group of women to share. But the deal came with baggage in the form of the black sheep of the family, Darla. While the kids flurish, Darla tests everyone's patience with her short temper and string of boyfriends and parties. Ultimately, this fragile alliance is tested when the AIDS virus rears its ugly head.

This book provides a beautifully written account of a group of freinds and family who must deal with terminal illness. As the individuals are challenged they grow closer together in ways never expected and display a strength which none of us believe we possess but all must discover someday.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

Widow, Virgin, Whore is a novel of three women, each at a different stage in their life. They move in together and as time progresses, their differences become their strengths as each member faces the challenges caused when Darla is diagnosed with AIDS. Having lost several friends to the AIDS virus, I found the description of the virus and treatment to be very accurate. This is a moving story of friendship, family, growth and loss.