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Lisette Brodey
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THE WAITING HOUSE: A Novel in Stories Kindle Edition

by Lisette Brodey (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
5.0 out of 5 stars 27 ratings
From the author of Hotel Obscure …

Once an opulent hotel for lovers of the Hollywood lifestyle, today the imposing building survives, somewhere, as an apartment house for those who wait. Not all know what they’re waiting for, but the residents live in flawed concert with those of undetermined existence, among relics of the past, as they wait for answers, for lost loved ones, and for purpose.

While the stories feature different characters, many of whom are recurring, each tale couples with its own unique reality … and is narrated by Conrad, the “grand master.” There is an overall story arc: part literary fiction, part Twilight Zone … both with a healthy dose of dark humor.

If you step inside, you’ll meet Ava Elisabeth, now in her 80s. After 40 years in Paris, she has returned. But why? Darah, the owner, is tormented by the sudden reappearance of her estranged mother, Millicent.

Kenny finds a way to overcome the despair of his missing wife. Fiona lives in the shadow of her once-famous, movie-star mother. Former Santa, Alejandro, punishes himself with solitude and sadness. A disturbed woman, Carolyn, waits for her TV prince to come. And Lee is tortured by random people who slide down walls near his fourth-floor apartment. Under the same roof, each soul has a different story … but all live in The Waiting House.

NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: I write characters as I hear them speak to me. Some of these stories contain non-gratuitous expletives and sexual references. If this is not to your liking, please don't read this book. Thank you.
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  1. Print length
    304 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    November 20, 2021
  4. File size
    1.3 MB
  5. Page Flip
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  6. Word Wise
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09MBJ2TCM
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Saberlee Books (November 20, 2021)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 20, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.3 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    5.0 out of 5 stars 27 ratings

About the author

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Lisette Brodey

Lisette Brodey

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Lisette was born and raised in the Philadelphia area. She spent ten years in New York City, and now resides in Los Angeles.

She’s a multigenre author of fourteen books: Crooked Moon (General/Literary Fiction); Squalor, New Mexico (Coming-of-Age/Literary Fiction); Molly Hacker Is Too Picky! (Women's Fiction/romantic comedy), The Desert Series: Mystical High; Desert Star; and Drawn Apart (YA paranormal/magical realism), Barrie Hill Reunion (Literary Fiction); Hotel Obscure: A Collection of Short Stories (Literary Fiction), Love, Look Away (Women's Fiction/romantic comedy), The Sum of our Sorrows (Contemporary Fiction/Coming-of-Age), The Waiting House: A Novel in Stories (Literary Fiction), All That Was Taken (Contemporary Fiction), Twice a Broken Breath (Suspense Thriller), and What the Years Remember (psychological suspense).

Two of Lisette’s short stories are published in an anthology: Triptychs (Book 3, The Mind’s Eye Series.)

Customer reviews

5 out of 5 stars
27 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's storytelling rich with whimsy and compelling, with one review describing it as a rollercoaster ride of emotions and human interactions. Moreover, the book receives positive feedback for its readability, with one customer noting it's a substantial novel-length read. Additionally, customers appreciate the character development, with one review particularly praising the quirky individuals.

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7 customers mention "Storytelling"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the storytelling in the book, finding the stories rich with whimsy and very human, with one customer describing it as a rollercoaster ride of emotions and human interactions.

"...It was odd, audacious, theatrical, moving and compelling. In fact, this book should be a film, or TV series; it’s quite marvellous!..." Read more

"...As well as being a rollercoaster ride of emotions and human interactions, there was a Twilight Zone vibe that made it even more interesting...." Read more

"...The stories are rich with whimsy, tragedy, fantasy, and dark secrets, with distinct and memorable characters that are certain to linger upon readers..." Read more

"...their quirks, scars, and flaws because they’ve been made honest and compelling...." Read more

4 customers mention "Readability"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable, with one review noting it is a substantial novel-length read, while another mentions it is made up of short stories.

"...come into several of the stories as well, so in that sense it is a complete novel with a clear narrative running through it, and I enjoyed it..." Read more

"...manages to intertwine everything beautifully, and it was a substantial novel-length read...." Read more

"...After reading a few exquisitely written chapters, you realize something. This book is different in every way...." Read more

"It kept my interest but it was one strange book. It’s a novel made up of short stories, somewhat in the style of The Martian Chronicles or The..." Read more

3 customers mention "Character development"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the interesting characters in the book, with one particularly appreciating the quirky individuals.

"...I loved the quirky individuals, some of whom have bizarre stories and behaviour; I loved the numerous touching tales of loss, love and bereavement;..." Read more

"...whimsy, tragedy, fantasy, and dark secrets, with distinct and memorable characters that are certain to linger upon readers’ minds. A real treat!" Read more

"...A fascinating story with interesting characters, captivating and engaging plot...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Vmp
    5.0 out of 5 stars A feast of characters
    Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Some time ago, I read Lisette Brodey’s Hotel Obscure and absolutely loved the concept, the stories and the characters. In The Waiting House, Ms Brodey has taken another approach to the themed short story in that although each chapter is about the different people living in The Waiting House apartment building, they are all narrated by the mysterious Conrad, a shadowy figure who observes everything from a somewhat singular perspective.

    Some of the characters come into several of the stories as well, so in that sense it is a complete novel with a clear narrative running through it, and I enjoyed it immensely. I loved the quirky individuals, some of whom have bizarre stories and behaviour; I loved the numerous touching tales of loss, love and bereavement; I relished the rich language that harks back to an earlier more literary time; and I was fascinated by the strangeness of the themed decor in the apartments, not to mention the somewhat paranormal element that runs through the book. It was odd, audacious, theatrical, moving and compelling. In fact, this book should be a film, or TV series; it’s quite marvellous! Well done, Lisette Brodey. You have a gift for writing unusual, but very human stories and a great talent for pithy dialogue. A truly 5 star read!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Sarah
    5.0 out of 5 stars Engrossing, original, and insightful
    Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2021
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    Where do I start? There was so much I loved about this book. It was engrossing and enjoyable. Although it's a book of short stories, the author manages to intertwine everything beautifully, and it was a substantial novel-length read. Many of the characters are known to each other, and even if they're not, their paths cross, sometimes with hilarious results (the author has a dry sense of humour which often comes through). So many different characters inhabit this book, and the author has managed to get to the heart of each one—their fears, hopes, dreams, and flaws. There were times I cheered for the characters, and times I loathed them—but only the ones that were meant to be loathed. As well as being a rollercoaster ride of emotions and human interactions, there was a Twilight Zone vibe that made it even more interesting. Things are off centre enough that it keeps you guessing about certain things (although I won't say what because spoilers). I'd also like to mention that the book is very well written, and the editing is good. This, unfortunately, isn't very common these days, so I appreciate that this author has done her work and published a polished book. In any case, if you enjoy books that explore human nature and relationships, this is one to try. I've read a few of Ms Brodey's other books, and I hope this won't be the last. Thank you for such an entertaining read.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Vampire Hunter
    5.0 out of 5 stars A real treat!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2024
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    “The Waiting House” by Lisette Brodey, is a captivating book. It is a collection of refreshingly unique stories featuring the tenants, past and present, of a luxury hotel. The stories are rich with whimsy, tragedy, fantasy, and dark secrets, with distinct and memorable characters that are certain to linger upon readers’ minds. A real treat!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Daisy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Extraordinary In Every Way
    Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2022
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    Sometimes you just know by the title that a book is going to be extraordinary. The Waiting House didn’t disappoint. The eclectic setting of a renovated vintage grand hotel into an apartment building serves as the perfect backdrop. Each story is cleverly introduced by the characters in residence. And best of all, the author lets us inhabit their colorful world of past, present, and future.

    The author delivers the unexpected from the first page. After reading a few exquisitely written chapters, you realize something. This book is different in every way. Every fantastic way you’d want a story to be different. Yet, the tapestry woven has you wanting to meet these residents with their quirks, scars, and flaws because they’ve been made honest and compelling.

    The author writes at an altitude that many great classic writers did. Expect to want to read every book penned by the talented author.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Sheri A. Wilkinson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Memorable, engrossing, captivating, I could not put it down.....
    Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2021
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    THE WAITING HOUSE: A Novel in Stories by Lisette Brodey

    Once a beloved Hotel, but now apartments which serves as a special place. Each resident is waiting, waiting for a loved one, for answers, for purpose.

    Among the guests is Ava Elisabeth, now in her 80's (She) has returned home. Darah, also the owner of this establishment, is struggling with her relationship with her Mother (Millicent).

    Kenny, Alejandro, Fiona, Carolyn and Lee have come there as well. Each one has their own reason to be there, some just don't know why. (But) anything can happen in The Waiting House.

    A fascinating story with interesting characters, captivating and engaging plot. The perfect mix of emotions; suspense, mystique, humor, secrets (revealed), ghostly encounters and much more.

    Lisette Brodey knows how to grab your attention and not let go. I truly enjoyed THE WAITING HOUSE: A Novel in Stories and recommend to all.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Stormy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Magical Read
    Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2024
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    A great storyteller will capture your mind and hold it captive! They’ll take you places you’re not likely to forget with characters that will keep you engaged and, at times, entertained. This is an absolutely outstanding and refreshingly written tale(s)! Brodey offers up a litany of characters: each introduced in chapter form-unique and very creative in style. I didn’t want my adventure to end! Highly recommended!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Jilly of the Valley
    5.0 out of 5 stars Pretty weird
    Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2022
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    It kept my interest but it was one strange book. It’s a novel made up of short stories, somewhat in the style of The Martian Chronicles or The Bridge of San Luis Rey. It is set in a somewhat down-at-the-heels Hollywood apartment hotel. Each character gets their own chapter, all overseen by the omniscient Conrad, who professes himself to be in love with one of them, Ava Elisabeth. There’s more than a touch of the paranormal about the story and the place. Without giving away anything, I can say two things about it: a lot of loose ends are tied together the last chapter, and I’m not too happy about the essential disappearance of some characters.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Yorkshire lass
    5.0 out of 5 stars A little masterpiece
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 21, 2021
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    The Waiting House invites us in to explore the lives of its residents, each with their own fascinating story to tell. Linked by a common goal, they are all waiting for something, though what that something is remains unclear – even to them – leaving the reader to speculate as we move from room to room to witness what’s happening behind closed doors.

    The apartment house, furnished in Hollywood style, is a relic of its days as a grand, luxurious hotel. The 9th floor is an enigma, with vibes of The Twilight Zone lighting the imagination.
    Dargah, the owner, makes time for all the guests, which is just as well since the majority are immersed in their own private worlds, some not even knowing their neighbours, let alone having any interaction. These are characters of every hue with their flawed natures and bizarre circumstances – the sad, the resentful, the disillusioned, the spoilt, the comical and the nosy – the list goes on.

    The author has excellent insight into the complexity of human nature and conveys this well, mainly through her convincing dialogue. For fans who enjoyed reading Hotel Obscure, this book is equally as riveting and packed with intrigue from the first page to the last. Only in the final stage do we get to see the full picture; like a carefully woven quilt each colourful piece is cleverly pulled together to make the perfect whole.

    Ms Brodey continues to surprise us with her unique storylines and penchant for the unusual. The idea of an omniscient narrator in the form of Conrad, self-acclaimed grand master, adds yet another layer of intrigue which I thought was a brilliant stroke. I loved his acerbic wit and enjoyed the black humour in general.

    Lisette Brodey’s fine literary style and attention to detail make her books a pleasure to read and I can highly recommend this little masterpiece.
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  • John M Taylor
    5.0 out of 5 stars Full of Intrigue.
    Reviewed in Australia on December 16, 2021
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    I found The Waiting House to be unusual, partly because it is not the genre I usually read (but I’m so pleased I did), but mostly from the intrigue it weaves. After a well-travelled earlier life, Ava Elisabeth, now a senior citizen, returns to her former apartment home where her life, and the others who have passed through it, unfolds. I’ll be discreet about them here, or I may risk giving too much away. Except to say that I wanted to keep reading to see who would turn up next, what their story is, and know their connection to, Ava Elisabeth, and each other. The many characters are skilfully portrayed with many insights, twists and turns.
    Lisette Brodey is clearly a very erudite author with the skill to weave words into scenes with ease. The descriptive text is seen through the eyes of a commentator, who in some instances casts an opinion, which I found ‘different,’ yet the story, or should I say, ‘stories,’ mostly unfold within the characters’ dialogue. The Waiting House could not have been written without a great understanding of human nature. Anyone interested in human interactions will enjoy this book and I recommend it.
    Five Stars from me.
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  • Richard Schwindt
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lyrical and engaging
    Reviewed in Canada on April 16, 2022
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    I have enjoyed all of Lisette Brodey’s books, and believe I have read each of them. The Waiting House, her latest, may also be among her best. It is more complex than most; while rooted in a location, it flits around in time and reality. The narrator isn’t exactly alive, chatty for a shade, and the living characters are varied and richly drawn. Always a writer of solid prose and a good editor, this book, atmospheric and lyrical, breaks new ground. Brodey has always excelled at conveying emotion and connection; in The Waiting House, she elevates her wordsmithing to high art. Highly recommended, on the Divan, during a rainy day, with a glass of vintage Port.
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  • Diogenes
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Author's Most Accomplished Work to Date, IMHO
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 29, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    “Most of us know this much: life is bizarre, yet it goes on.”
    A couple of years ago, I read Lisette Brodey’s ‘Hotel Obscure’, a collection of short stories based around a run-down hotel. To this day, it remains one of my favorite short-story collections: literary, touching and endlessly surprising.
    Now, the author has gone one step further and created a novel structured around individual tales but with an overarching story arc.
    It’s a triumph of imagination and of the writer’s art.
    Set in a Hollywood style hotel (the “bastard child of misappropriated funds and garish taste”) the narrative is full of ghosts – ghosts of the past and of the present. The various characters all have their own foibles and unique take on life. The dialogue is by turns realistic, poetic, dry, sometimes droll, and earthy; and the narrator’s voice is skillfully handled. In places, the novel is otherworldly; in others, painfully realistic. In short, it is an engaging and emotional look at various lives: how they intersect, how they fail, and the hopes and dreams that drive them.
    “How dare this unknown entity invade my thoughts?”
    This is a piece of work that deserves a wide audience. Bravo, Ms. Brodey!
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  • G.P. Gadbois
    5.0 out of 5 stars Evocative
    Reviewed in Canada on October 9, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed other books by this author and because I am fascinated by souls and paranormal activity, I picked up The Waiting House.

    Although, at times I thought the surroundings/furnishings were excessively described, none of the stories disappointed me.

    Ms. Brodey's talent to weave subplots into the main one is as phenomenal as the ending and I am pleased that good prevailed over evil.
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