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Black and Blue

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Black and Blue

By: Anna Quindlen
Narrated by: Ruth Ann Phimister
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Writing with the depth and insight that have become her signature, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Anna Quindlen explores a passionate marriage that turns into a nightmare. This Oprah's Book Club selection, destined to become as successful a best seller as One True Thing, secures her reputation as a significant author of fiction.

When 19-year-old Fran married Bobby Benedetto, she never dreamed that she would find herself in an abusive relationship. Every time her New York City policeman husband hit her, she would think of convincing reasons to stay.

Now, with her 10-year-old son in tow, she is running for her life. Living in Florida under an assumed name, she is bravely shaping a new life and dares to believe that, finally, she has escaped from her painful past. Black and Blue is a wise and powerful novel whose protagonists could be the people next door.

An Oprah Book Club® Selection.

©1998 Anna Quindlen (P)1998 Recorded Books, LLC Genre Fiction Psychological Fiction Suspense Marriage

Critic reviews

"Quindlen writes about women as they really areneither helpless victims nor angry polemicists, but intelligent human beings struggling to do what's right for those they love and for themselves. A book to read and savor." ( Kirkus Reviews)
"Engrossing....compassionate and tense." ( The New York Times)
"Absolutely believable....Quindlen writes with power and grace." ( The Boston Globe)

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She gains her freedom at the price of a sacrifice too grand. Characters were good. Should still listen/read.

Ending Ruined it for me

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The book/story given was so well written I was waiting to find out what would happen the whole time. I would recommend that you read the story and I loved it.

Kept me listening so glad i purchased

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What did you like best about this story?

The fact that she got out and tried to make a better life for her and her son. Not sure how I feel about the ending.

Sleeping with the Enemy, but better...

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At first, I was upset about the ending... I wanted to know where Robert was...I wanted him to come home - a very romanticized version of the story... but it's not reality. As a domestic violence survivor, I think I might actually be upset with the ending if it was a happy ever after... that's just not true - so upset that we don't know where Robert is and upset if there was a happily ever after... The topic is just upsetting, period. I am glad the author stayed true to what domestic violence is. I didn't have a happily ever after... I could identify with Beth... so many hopes and dreams... and then this person that you loved, love... could turn into someone unrecognizable. I didn't leave with the kids... I was optimistic - foolishly optimistic that I would gain custody. The court systems are flawed. My ex-husband was a better performer in court than I was - I was too gas lit and wondered if I was ever a good mother and doubted my entire reality. He was kicked out of our home for child abuse. He was also guilty of spousal abuse to include sexual assault... and no one wanted to hear this... no one in the court - not lawyers, not judges, no one... I quickly but not quick enough figured out I needed to "play ball" and act like the abusive 10 years never existed - and we were just a "normal" couple who didn't get along any longer. It's a huge Mind F.... If any lawyers, judges, read this review - please do better... They didn't look at the social services file, and they created the story that I somehow falsely reported the child abuse.... so to them, I was the monster.... My child told at least 10 people what happened, and they all believed her.... I have no words... 20 years later, there is still no solace. He got custody of them - and he moved out of state and continued to abuse them... and I finally got them back when they were in high school - but so much damage was done already. She attempted to unalive herself, at 25, and I worry every day that I will wake up or I will let my guard down and she will succeed.... so her rendition is factual. Had I ran with my kids - they would have taken them from me, and I would have lost my parental rights. It's a heavily flawed system. If I had gone to get them or didn't bring them back when it wasn't my time - I could have lost all visitation. and I wasn't willing to chance that... so I played ball, and when he was temporarily homeless, I kept them after the summer, after we talked about it, played nice, didn't ask for a dime from him, and played nice... and he actually did release the child support order? Right - So, there is no happy ending...I am glad I at least know where mine are - still in my home.. healing.. To all survivors, big hugs - you can do it.. I used the time to go back to school...build yourself up... know that God got me through it in a profound way... not a Patty Bancroft way - God, Allah... Goddess, whatever deity you choose to call him/her/they... just call.... know we have protection - His divine guidance likely kept me from being murdered.. and while I hope not the kids - maybe them too...I found loaded gun in a dresser drawer we no longer use... ya... I identified with Beth saying he didn't want her dead, he would rather make certain she suffered.... that was my ex.... . I would suggest going to a domestic violence safe house until you can work out the court stuff... and also find a victim advocate. https://www.thehotline.org/

Ending.... sigh...

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While reading this book I could relate to the fear that grips a woman in a terrible situation as is described in this writing.
The physical battering, the destruction of self through emotional abuse and the deep fear of living with an unpredictable violent narcissist.
Escape or death are the only options that face too many women.
This was not a book I loved, it is simply a story I absorbed as I felt my heart shattering with every word.

Great insights on the reality of abuse that is both physical and mental

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This is a beautiful book about a story of a mother forced to make all the hard choices.

Heartbreakingly honest

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Very good. Completely believable story. Just hoped the ending would have had a solution instead but I have a good imagination.

Blue Badge

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I would of enjoyed this book so much more if the narrator's voice was softer and not so harsh sounding. My daughter agreed with me as well.

Liked the story but the narrator's voice is irritating.

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This is so real. I felt as if I knew her. What a terrible price she paid for her freedom and dignity. Narrator was less than effective - a very harsh voice. But the story - wow! It will grab you and never let go.

Another great one from Quindlen.

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Any additional comments?

Although the story is kind of formulaic (another abused wife whose husband is an insane cop who spends all his time tracking down his runaway wife, ie: Safe Haven), the author gives us characters that seem very real, people you start rooting for. I like that the ending isn't as predictable as I would have thought...meaning it feels more like real life than a perfect storybook ending. You can't go wrong with an Anna Quindlen book.

A Story of Hope

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