The Lion Is In: A Novel

When I'm looking for a good book to read, there are a few things that catch my eye. The name Ephron on a book is a guarantee I will find something interesting inside. Another thing is a visually appealing cover. Can you tell me that if you saw a male lion in the backseat of a convertible riding next to a woman in a wedding veil you wouldn't at least be curious? I adore this book. The characters are all well thought out with interesting stories to tell. Lana and Tracee have been friends for ever. Tracee was never an issue to her parents who would often be gone for weeks without making arrangements for Tracee to be cared for. She always sought refuge with Lana and her father who would take care of her. Lana is beautiful, smart and an alcoholic. They picked up Rita who was walking along the highway without a destination in mind. She is running away from her preacher husband who dismisses her thoughts and actions as unimportant. He is a tyrant at home and lives as if Rita's only purpose is to serve him. Tracee nods off while driving and drifts into the guardrail. The car won't start and at one am the only building they could see was a mishmash of a place that had been added onto without a thought to a 90 degree angle. They find a window unlocked and stumble around in the dark until Lana finds the fridge behind the bar and opens the door. Rita looks around and is drawn to the bright eyes of a large animal. What Rita saw was a lion in a large enclosure. His name is Marcel and he will change Rita's life. Before long, I was immersed in the lives of these three women and wanted each of them to succeed in their quest for happiness. Delia Ephron is a great storyteller. She gives her characters room enough to grow and describes them with humor as we see the changes unfold. I liked this book so much I was sorry to see it end. You owe it to yourself to discover how good a writer Delia Ephron is.

The title of this review says it all --- likable characters, a fun plot, some tension although you know from the start that everything is going to turn out in the best way for all involved. After reading so many needlessly depressing novels recently this was a nice escape for a few summer afternoons.

" Everyone has an imagination, unless you have it stomped out of you." I finished this in one setting, on a rainy saturday. Guess this came out of a dream. I hope this chick has more of these dreams, they are fun to read. This is seriously her best book. The characters were easy to channel into.Which is a quibble I have with some of her stuff. The writing flows and has a nice breezy style. I laughed at Rita's dry,observations about life and Tracee's tendency to believe everything she reads on the internet about health issues. ( My mother does this and I wish she would stop) I could relate to Lana's destructive behaviour and her grief at pushing the people she is trying to hold on to away from her because of life's wounds. Wished the book was longer. I was hoping they would give a little more screen time to Rita and Marcel. Marcel the lion, reminds me of my dog and sometimes we dance when I come home from work. Also Tracee's little problem needed to be dealt with. I liked the referance to The lion the witch and the wardrobe of the one character dancing to Julio Iglesias music with the lion , it was very special. I think guys and ladies a like will find at least one character to root for, it really made my day less crappy. Religious people might not like Lana's potty mouth and athiestic stance. Just telling you so you aren't suprised. It has a good message and you should read with a open mind.

I loved the lion... thought he was the most interesting character in the story. Except for occasional departures from the "Thelma and Louise" narrative and the number of women (3 instead of 2), i thought it was predictable. There are sweet moments and signs of committed friendship, real care for each other. As far as the characters, I saw some depth in Rita, or, I should say, I believed she had depth and character, as well as human insecurities. Otherwise, they didn't seem well-rounded and real to me. A light read, occasionally surprising and fun.

As a novelist myself, I enjoy reading fiction that takes me to another place. Delia Ephron's book did that and more. The multiple points of view made the story even more intriguing and I was captivated by the various story lines that all came together. And the lion—a real lion!—was a unique element in the tale. I give it five stars and a hearty recommendation!

Personally, I loved this book. At the beginning I wasn't so sure because I was afraid it was going to be about animal abuse - for all you animal lovers out there it is NOT, so don't worry. I liked the character development and it was a fun read. You can always count on an Ephron sister to come thru.

A nice, light read. The story sucked me right in. Great characters, especially Marcel. It’s funny how everyone felt peaceful around him.

The outcome of these 3 women's lives was woven so delicately yet strong as thread made from silk,,,IFriendships emerge when least expected..ii would recommend for all bookclubs,,,

Delia Ephron is such an amazing writer and I thoroughly enjoy all her books I hope she continues to write