One sentence summary
Here on Earth is a captivating story of love, betrayal, and redemption that follows the intertwined lives of three characters and explores the power of destiny and forgiveness.
Book genre
Contemporary fiction, romance, drama
Main topic of the book
The main topic of the book is the complex relationships and destructive patterns that unfold between three characters, March Murray, Hollis Cooper, and Ian Noble, as they navigate love, loss, and betrayal in a small New England town.
Key ideas
- The consequences of our actions and the impact they have on our lives and the lives of those around us
- The complexities of love and the difficulties of letting go
- The power of forgiveness and redemption
- The interconnectedness of fate and how our paths may be linked to others in ways we cannot control
Main parts of the book and a short summary
Part One: The Past
In the small town of Illyria, March Murray returns to her childhood home after her mother’s death and is confronted with memories of her tumultuous past. She reconnects with her childhood friend, Hollis Cooper, who has become a successful businessman, and their unresolved feelings come to the surface. Hollis is now married to a controlling woman, Josie, and March’s presence sparks jealousy and tension in their relationship. Meanwhile, Ian Noble, a mysterious and charming newcomer, also enters their lives and a love triangle ensues.
Part Two: The Present
Years later, March and Hollis are married and living in the same town, but their relationship is strained due to March’s inability to forgive Hollis for his past mistakes. Ian reappears after serving time in prison and he and March reignite their passionate but destructive affair. As the three characters’ lives become increasingly intertwined, the consequences of their actions and their lies threaten to destroy everything they have built.
Part Three: The Future
As Hollis and March’s marriage crumbles, they must come to terms with their past and the choices they have made. Ian also faces the repercussions of his past actions and must find a way to make amends and seek redemption. In the end, all three characters must face the consequences of their choices and decide whether they are willing to let go of the past and forgive.
Key takeaways
- Our actions have lasting consequences, and we must take responsibility for them
- The past can haunt us and affect our present and future if we do not confront it
- Forgiveness is a powerful tool in healing and moving forward
- Love is complicated and can lead us down destructive paths if we are not careful
Author’s background and qualifications
Alice Hoffman is an acclaimed author known for her captivating storytelling and for blending elements of magic and reality in her works. She has written over 30 novels, including Practical Magic and The Rules of Magic, and her books have been translated into more than 20 languages. She is a recipient of the New England Book Award and is known for her vivid and emotionally resonant writing style.
Target audience
The target audience for this book is primarily adult readers who enjoy contemporary fiction and are interested in themes of love, betrayal, and redemption. Fans of Oprah’s Book Club may also be drawn to this book, as it was selected for the club in 1998.
Publisher and first publication date
The book was published by Berkley Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House, in 1998. The first publication date of Here on Earth was August 1, 1997.