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Lavette Family #6
An Independent Woman
The critically acclaimed author returns to his best-selling Immigrants saga to finish the life story of his beloved heroine, wealthy matriarch Barbara Lavette, who embarks on a new marriage and faces the challenge of her life. Reprint.
350 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
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507 people want to read
About the author
Howard Fast
303 books254 followersHoward Fast was one of the most prolific American writers of the twentieth century. He was a bestselling author of more than eighty works of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and screenplays. The son of immigrants, Fast grew up in New York City and published his first novel upon finishing high school in 1933. In 1950, his refusal to provide the United States Congress with a list of possible Communist associates earned him a three-month prison sentence. During his incarceration, Fast wrote one of his best-known novels, Spartacus (1951). Throughout his long career, Fast matched his commitment to championing social justice in his writing with a deft, lively storytelling style.
Pseudonyms: Walter Ericson, E.V. Cunningham
Pseudonyms: Walter Ericson, E.V. Cunningham
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
September 18, 2023
This was different! I did enjoy it, but it dragged on a bit. It's a slow burn, but the characters are okay, and likable. I would have liked to hear more about polyamorous relationships tho.
All in all, it's okay, nice little storyline bit repetitive in parts.
3 out of 5*
All in all, it's okay, nice little storyline bit repetitive in parts.
3 out of 5*
September 10, 2023
I could swear this book was 1000 pages long. It seemed to go on and on. And go over and over the same subject without advancing. It took me forever to finish it. The ending didn't advance it much more than the halfway point. Rebecca and Alex are stuck in this "sharing" arrangement.
I read the synopsis way to fast and obviously skipped over the polyamorous content. Educationally it was interesting. I was not aware of this type of relationships. But as enjoyable reading material I found it difficult to imagine or understand.
The most interesting part for me was dealing with Pheobe in her new environment, the home for the mentally challenged. Although Pheobe seemed pretty normal to me, with the exception that her parents had sheltered her to the point of not teaching her how to be independent.
It was not an enjoyable read for me. I think reading a description of poly relationships would have been enough for me. An entire book....not so much.
The writing was good, the subject I had a problem with. I would try another story by this author.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I read the synopsis way to fast and obviously skipped over the polyamorous content. Educationally it was interesting. I was not aware of this type of relationships. But as enjoyable reading material I found it difficult to imagine or understand.
The most interesting part for me was dealing with Pheobe in her new environment, the home for the mentally challenged. Although Pheobe seemed pretty normal to me, with the exception that her parents had sheltered her to the point of not teaching her how to be independent.
It was not an enjoyable read for me. I think reading a description of poly relationships would have been enough for me. An entire book....not so much.
The writing was good, the subject I had a problem with. I would try another story by this author.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 31, 2017
On December 8th, 2017 I decided I would end 2017 with a series of 6 books written by Howard Fast beginning with The Immigrant's and ending just this morning with Book 6 - An Independent Woman. I loved this family saga, especially Barbara. I loved the ethnicity and diversity of this whole family. It was fast and easy reading. One annoyance in this last book was how Barbara referred to herself as an old woman, just having turned 70. So after midnight tonight, I can say I will be 70 next year but I do not think of myself as old. Old age is a privilege many do not have.
Happy New Year to all.
Happy New Year to all.
August 21, 2023
( 3.5 Stars) A different kind of romance novel. Rebecca Miller is a key worker at a care center. The story is British and I’m guessing that is similar to a social worker or specialized nurse. She works at a care center and her job is helping prepare her charges with life skills for independent living as well as helping manage health issues. She is happy in her polyamorous chosen family. Alex Jenning’s arrives in town to help settle her sister Phoebe into the care center. Alex wants her sister to be independent but doesn’t trust the system to look after her needs. There is attraction with caution between Rebecca and Alex. Alex has her own poly partner who travels much of the year.
The book is slow burn and takes place over many months. Much of the story focuses on Phoebe and I’d categorize this as women’s fiction with a romance. I confess to being less familiar with terms and the complexity of poly relationships. The book introduced me to different ways a chosen family can work. I applaud the representation but it was hard to connect to the characters. The background for the MCs is intentionally kept minimal. I don't know their ages, education or past family relationships. It was different to read about calendaring to make time together and trying to keep things transparent in a relationship. For me this book fell into an informative novel more than enjoying the romantic relationship.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.
The book is slow burn and takes place over many months. Much of the story focuses on Phoebe and I’d categorize this as women’s fiction with a romance. I confess to being less familiar with terms and the complexity of poly relationships. The book introduced me to different ways a chosen family can work. I applaud the representation but it was hard to connect to the characters. The background for the MCs is intentionally kept minimal. I don't know their ages, education or past family relationships. It was different to read about calendaring to make time together and trying to keep things transparent in a relationship. For me this book fell into an informative novel more than enjoying the romantic relationship.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.
September 21, 2019
A SAD ENDING TO A SERIES YOU HATE TO SEE END.
Howard Fast was an incredibly good story teller with a very readable writing style. He wrote some of the most interesting and likable characters in fiction.
An Independent Woman (Lavette Family #6) is the sixth and final novel in the Lavette family saga, and it is just as captivating and compelling as the first.
Recommendation: If it’s pleasure reading you’re looking for, you can’t do much better than Fast.
“…each moment is forever and all that we have and all we can depend on? (Kindle Location 5494)
Open Road Media. Kindle Edition. 5923 Kindle Locations
Howard Fast was an incredibly good story teller with a very readable writing style. He wrote some of the most interesting and likable characters in fiction.
An Independent Woman (Lavette Family #6) is the sixth and final novel in the Lavette family saga, and it is just as captivating and compelling as the first.
Recommendation: If it’s pleasure reading you’re looking for, you can’t do much better than Fast.
“…each moment is forever and all that we have and all we can depend on? (Kindle Location 5494)
Open Road Media. Kindle Edition. 5923 Kindle Locations
June 17, 2010
Well, I'm finally through with The Immigrants series. I see that I gave all the books a five star rating, possibly because I came to love the Levys and Lavettes so much. My ratings may be a little on the emotional side. I enjoyed An Independent Woman almost as much as I enjoyed the first of the series,The Immigrants, which was by far the most gripping.
The conclusion was emotional and exactly how I picture Barbara Lavette experiencing it. However in this book, two characters who had died a few books back were suddenly alive and dining with Barbara Lavette. Not sure if I was remembering correctly, another review, which I never read until I finish a book, was in agreement.I didn't even mind the explanations of previous plots throughout the book, it was done through conversation, ponderings, and only short blurbs which were to update someone not acquainted with the series. Looking forward to reading more of Howard Fast, my introduction to his writing has been a very pleasant one.
The conclusion was emotional and exactly how I picture Barbara Lavette experiencing it. However in this book, two characters who had died a few books back were suddenly alive and dining with Barbara Lavette. Not sure if I was remembering correctly, another review, which I never read until I finish a book, was in agreement.I didn't even mind the explanations of previous plots throughout the book, it was done through conversation, ponderings, and only short blurbs which were to update someone not acquainted with the series. Looking forward to reading more of Howard Fast, my introduction to his writing has been a very pleasant one.
February 21, 2016
So torn about the end of this series. While it is a wonderful and fitting conclusion, I wouldn't recommend it unless you have read the five books leading up to this one.
I'm not sure why Fast waited 12 years to write this one and why he wasn't satisfied with book #5 in the series as the ending since he declared it was when he wrote it.
Perhaps -- and this is only a guess -- his wife's death in 1994 leaves him wanting to do more with Barbara Lavette's character and so he takes her into her 70th year in an "Independent Woman" and dedicates this one to his late wife, Bette. The dedication reads:
To the memory
of a wonderful and
independent woman,
my wife, Bette Fast.
I'm not sure why Fast waited 12 years to write this one and why he wasn't satisfied with book #5 in the series as the ending since he declared it was when he wrote it.
Perhaps -- and this is only a guess -- his wife's death in 1994 leaves him wanting to do more with Barbara Lavette's character and so he takes her into her 70th year in an "Independent Woman" and dedicates this one to his late wife, Bette. The dedication reads:
To the memory
of a wonderful and
independent woman,
my wife, Bette Fast.
October 21, 2018
When I started reading this, I didn't realize it was a part of a family saga series, and quite the intertwined family it is! Other than trying to figure out who was who & how they were related as I began, I was able to enjoy it as a stand alone story. Barbara Valette is in her late 60's, living in San Francisco, wealthy by inheritance but is not into the life of the "rich & famous". She is well-known for her activism, philanthropy, writing and her family's vineyards/wine. The novel follows her & a few of the family as they navigate new chapters in their lives. My favorite character was Phillip, a former Jesuit priest who became a Unitarian pastor.
September 27, 2023
Very sweet
Alex has moved to the middle of nowhere to support her sister Phoebe, who has been placed into a care home. Determined her sister should be allowed the independence she wants, Alex clashes with Rebecca, who has been assigned as her carer, until they realise they have something in common.
A really sweet story about loyalty, kindness, a being open to possibility, change and trust. The story packed in so much of importance and is great for representation of poly relationships. I was most intrigued by how Alex and Rebecca would deal with things once they learned they had similar preferences and Alex learned that Rebecca was only trying to do what was best for Phoebe. Rebecca was actually willing to take risks to fulfil the needs Phoebe expressed, as she did so selflessly putting her career and personal preferences on the line.
It was so obvious Rebecca and Alex could have a connection though. It was Alex’s stubbornness that really caused all the tension, and I willed her, every meeting and chance she had with Rebecca to get over it and just relax. When we learned about hers and Phoebe’s background, it became clearer why she was having such an adverse reaction. They’d encountered a lot of trauma and weren’t even passed it. That can put someone on edge, and Kit portrayed that perfectly with Alex, Phoebe, and even to a point in Rebecca’s story too.
Really enjoyable story, that was moving and heartfelt at every point.
Alex has moved to the middle of nowhere to support her sister Phoebe, who has been placed into a care home. Determined her sister should be allowed the independence she wants, Alex clashes with Rebecca, who has been assigned as her carer, until they realise they have something in common.
A really sweet story about loyalty, kindness, a being open to possibility, change and trust. The story packed in so much of importance and is great for representation of poly relationships. I was most intrigued by how Alex and Rebecca would deal with things once they learned they had similar preferences and Alex learned that Rebecca was only trying to do what was best for Phoebe. Rebecca was actually willing to take risks to fulfil the needs Phoebe expressed, as she did so selflessly putting her career and personal preferences on the line.
It was so obvious Rebecca and Alex could have a connection though. It was Alex’s stubbornness that really caused all the tension, and I willed her, every meeting and chance she had with Rebecca to get over it and just relax. When we learned about hers and Phoebe’s background, it became clearer why she was having such an adverse reaction. They’d encountered a lot of trauma and weren’t even passed it. That can put someone on edge, and Kit portrayed that perfectly with Alex, Phoebe, and even to a point in Rebecca’s story too.
Really enjoyable story, that was moving and heartfelt at every point.
October 8, 2009
AN INDEPENDENT WOMAN is, overall, a disappointment. Two characters return from the dead due to sloppy editing, and many plot points from previous books in the series are rehashed. If you're reading all six in a row, as I did, there will be an uncomfortable amount of repetition. There were a few moments that were reminders of why I love Howard Fast's writing. There is a sequence that takes place in Israel which is fast-paced, moving and inspirational. The final twenty pages or so, encompassing Barbara's passing, are beautifully written and brought tears to my eyes. I can tell that Mr. Fast based this loss on his own experience of losing his beloved Bette.
Because I so loved the Levys and Lavettes, I am glad I read this book, if only to get to spend another 300 or so pages with them. It wasn't as good as the earlier efforts, or as good as it could have been, however, and that is a pity. Recommended for hard-core fans of the series, but you won't miss a great deal if you have to skip it.
Because I so loved the Levys and Lavettes, I am glad I read this book, if only to get to spend another 300 or so pages with them. It wasn't as good as the earlier efforts, or as good as it could have been, however, and that is a pity. Recommended for hard-core fans of the series, but you won't miss a great deal if you have to skip it.
May 18, 2014
This is an ok read. The series did kind of become a broken record, telling the same story over and over and simply inserting different historical events into the background. Perhaps the oddest thing to me in the last 3 books were the breaks in continuity from the previous books. It was odd, characters that died in previous books were suddenly alive again as well as other errors. Overall, the series was good and I enjoyed the storytelling. I wish some story lines were different but it wasn't my story to tell.
September 4, 2018
"Great book continuing on his other books. Held my interest. Hart to stop reading, good storytelling."--patron
September 27, 2025
This is a great story with absolutely awesome characters. It has humor, representation, angst, and nonconforming romance. Great job!
This book is a massive triumph of representation, both through the MCs and the supporting cast.
There is a respectful, authentic, and realistic portrayal of people with various disabilities (cognitive, physical...), neurodivergence, people with PTSD, people with severe anxiety, people of color, non-binary people, various religions, and polyamorous relationships. There is a plethora of representation, but it feels so natural, and it flows with the story as almost everything is normalized. It doesn't feel like the author was "ticking rep boxes," but quite the opposite, as if they tried to describe realistic and familiar surroundings. I thought it was done brilliantly, and for me, that sealed the deal.
I also enjoyed the great writing, very good pacing of the plot, and a plot twist at the very end (and not, as it more commonly appears, in the 70% stage) that made it all fall into place and set everything in motion to be finalized. After the great representation throughout the book, I thought all of those were just icing on the cake :)
I also must point out that the conflicts in this book are quite complex. At some point, I was afraid that the MCs are not going to get a real HEA ending but just a happy-for-now at best. I was wrong of course as the author came through with some serious mental work done by the MCs to compromise and change so they can fit each other into their lives. Very impressive execution, and I am sorry to say it's rare to see in this genre.
Rating: 5 stars
This book is a massive triumph of representation, both through the MCs and the supporting cast.
There is a respectful, authentic, and realistic portrayal of people with various disabilities (cognitive, physical...), neurodivergence, people with PTSD, people with severe anxiety, people of color, non-binary people, various religions, and polyamorous relationships. There is a plethora of representation, but it feels so natural, and it flows with the story as almost everything is normalized. It doesn't feel like the author was "ticking rep boxes," but quite the opposite, as if they tried to describe realistic and familiar surroundings. I thought it was done brilliantly, and for me, that sealed the deal.
I also enjoyed the great writing, very good pacing of the plot, and a plot twist at the very end (and not, as it more commonly appears, in the 70% stage) that made it all fall into place and set everything in motion to be finalized. After the great representation throughout the book, I thought all of those were just icing on the cake :)
I also must point out that the conflicts in this book are quite complex. At some point, I was afraid that the MCs are not going to get a real HEA ending but just a happy-for-now at best. I was wrong of course as the author came through with some serious mental work done by the MCs to compromise and change so they can fit each other into their lives. Very impressive execution, and I am sorry to say it's rare to see in this genre.
Rating: 5 stars
October 31, 2021
This book was a rehashing of the last five with Barbara Lavette getting older. Barbara is the revered head of the Lavette family and like her father, is a leader and ahead of her time. She is a champion of all that is good, and even though she does not have traditional beliefs in God she exemplifies good in all that she does.
I found the writing in this book to be stilted. I also think I would have enjoyed this saga more if more of the characters (the descendants) had been better developed rather than focusing on Barbara for most of the books.
All in all this saga was merely "ok" and unfortunately I feel that I took time away from better books to finish this saga.....one of my faults....when I start a book or a series I have to finish it!!!!
I found the writing in this book to be stilted. I also think I would have enjoyed this saga more if more of the characters (the descendants) had been better developed rather than focusing on Barbara for most of the books.
All in all this saga was merely "ok" and unfortunately I feel that I took time away from better books to finish this saga.....one of my faults....when I start a book or a series I have to finish it!!!!
November 30, 2019
I have read the entire series. Never knew this book existed till recently. I loved the book because of closure and happiness for Barbara, however they brought back two dead characters Joanna and Stephen Cassella. The Cassellas were a big part of the series. Joanna was dead for years and Stephen died of cancer of the bowel after traveling through Europe with Jean. Also Dan Lavette left the boat to Sammy not Freddy, Felt there was so much more to tell with the families, but very happy Barbara married a good man.
June 26, 2022
I have just finished the last book in "The Immigrants" series and it was a doozy. I have loved the entire series but "An Independent Woman" took the cake. I cannot remember when I last cried at a book ending but I did with this and it took me a few minutes to shake it off. This centers around Barbara Lavette, the daughter of the Lavette patriarch. It follows her into her later days and culminates with many lives of her family well-lived. A wonderful series of stories.
May 12, 2019
The conclusion of the Immigrant series. Barbara, in her late sixties, is enjoying life and living at a slower pace. While taking a walk, it starts to rain and she takes refuge in a church to wait out the storm. She is taken by the pastor's sermon and returns, develops a relationship with the pastor and ends up married.
August 9, 2019
Sad to have it end
This series was by far the best series I have ever read! Barbara was truly a remarkable woman. The whole story line just kept me wanting to keep reading and I would always have a hard time putting this down.
This series was by far the best series I have ever read! Barbara was truly a remarkable woman. The whole story line just kept me wanting to keep reading and I would always have a hard time putting this down.
Read
August 30, 2020I enjoyed this book/story very much. my first read by Howard Fast. I was perplexed by the date of her death Feb.18 1985, and the date they held a memorial for her Feb 15. Can anyone explain? Was a great read, finished in one day.
April 30, 2021
A fitting conclusion to this wonderful series by one of my favorite authors, who also was a dedicated and heroic individual. I enjoyed his autobiography many years ago and thoroughly enjoyed this series.
February 27, 2023
Finally, the long-awaited novel that brings readers back to the world of The Immigrants--a deeply moving story that follows wealthy matriarch Barbara Lavette as she travels the world, finds true love, and faces the most difficult challenge of her life.
August 6, 2017
Not up to par with books #1 and #2. Barbara is getting tiresome and none of the other characters are all that interesting.
March 17, 2020
A nice book to end the series.
March 1, 2021
For ever and ever
This was a wonderful series that I enjoyed very much. This begins with a young couple and their two children then goes on.
This was a wonderful series that I enjoyed very much. This begins with a young couple and their two children then goes on.
November 16, 2021
ahh, the end of a satisfying saga --San Francisco setting! and 20th century historical detail!
December 28, 2021
Not as compelling or as well written as the earlier entries in the series.
Read
June 14, 2023A wonderful series (6 total). Enjoyed them all and well worth the read.
March 8, 2017
A nice final ending to a good series. Tied up some loose ends and made me, the reader feel good about the protagonist and her relationship with the other characters. Was a "feel good" book and series. Not something current writers want to do so much these days.
August 28, 2023
I chose to read this book primarily because of the poly representation. I don’t know much about that type of relationship and was hoping to learn more. I did learn some things through the story, but it was also confusing to me at points.
The personality of the character Alex did a 180 out of nowhere for me. She was initially very hostile to her sister living in independent care and extremely mistrustful of Rebecca. She changed completely in the middle of the book to 100% supporting her sister and suddenly being open to Rebecca. I didn’t feel like the story adequately made that change and it just happened because.
I didn’t understand why Alex’s backstory was told until the end of the book. It would have been nice to get glimpses of it throughout the story to help explain why she is not a likable character for the first half of the novel. Her story felt rushed and tacked on at the end for me.
I was also confused because Rebecca’s partners played a huge role at the start of the book, but then almost totally disappeared until the end of the book. I know the story was about Alex and Rebecca, but I would’ve been interested in the partners’ viewpoints throughout the book.
I’m still not sure how Phoebe and Alex’s parents fit the story. They weren’t a positive influence in their daughter’s lives and hostile characters at the start of the book. They then suddenly became involved and wanted Phoebe back home with them for some reason. It just wasn’t clear to me how this fit in the story.
The book was well written, however, and provided an insight into poly relationships that I had not seen before. I was also extremely thrilled with how adults who have intellectual/developmental disabilities were portrayed as real people. They are adults in every sense of the word and should be treated as such.
Overall, this wasn’t the best book for me. I think part of it was the fact I don’t understand how poly relationships work. It was hard to understand some of the characters and their dynamics with others due to my ignorance. I think that’s ultimately what kept me from connecting with the book more. That’s not on the author, however, and I would be interested to read more of their works.
The personality of the character Alex did a 180 out of nowhere for me. She was initially very hostile to her sister living in independent care and extremely mistrustful of Rebecca. She changed completely in the middle of the book to 100% supporting her sister and suddenly being open to Rebecca. I didn’t feel like the story adequately made that change and it just happened because.
I didn’t understand why Alex’s backstory was told until the end of the book. It would have been nice to get glimpses of it throughout the story to help explain why she is not a likable character for the first half of the novel. Her story felt rushed and tacked on at the end for me.
I was also confused because Rebecca’s partners played a huge role at the start of the book, but then almost totally disappeared until the end of the book. I know the story was about Alex and Rebecca, but I would’ve been interested in the partners’ viewpoints throughout the book.
I’m still not sure how Phoebe and Alex’s parents fit the story. They weren’t a positive influence in their daughter’s lives and hostile characters at the start of the book. They then suddenly became involved and wanted Phoebe back home with them for some reason. It just wasn’t clear to me how this fit in the story.
The book was well written, however, and provided an insight into poly relationships that I had not seen before. I was also extremely thrilled with how adults who have intellectual/developmental disabilities were portrayed as real people. They are adults in every sense of the word and should be treated as such.
Overall, this wasn’t the best book for me. I think part of it was the fact I don’t understand how poly relationships work. It was hard to understand some of the characters and their dynamics with others due to my ignorance. I think that’s ultimately what kept me from connecting with the book more. That’s not on the author, however, and I would be interested to read more of their works.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2015
I really enjoyed all of the stories from Immigrants to the Independent Woman, my biggest critique is that Howard Fast was not consistent in his story telling. I understand that he wrote these books within a 20 year time period, but to get major facts wrong in his own story is troubling. The worst story misprint would be the fact that in this last book he states that Sam gave the house to Barbara in his will. But in book 3 or 4 she actually bought the house from his estate. Other minor incidences are when she talks about mementos from her past and furniture of Sam's, they do not exist as they were burned up in a house fire that destroyed the original house, she does rebuild it to the best of her ability, but obviously cannot replace said items. also bringing back a dead character and his wife doesn't make sense. Also the boat was left to Sam as a little boy not Eloise's son...the inconsistency really bugs me. It just makes me sad when things are not consistent in story telling (usually this happens when book made into a movie and they change a plot line, but for it to happen with the original author changing story points from one book to another well that doesn't see right).
also don't line that he changed the fact that dan originally left his boat to Sam (who sold it to pay for his trip to isreal) and in this book he says Freddie, just weird.
also don't line that he changed the fact that dan originally left his boat to Sam (who sold it to pay for his trip to isreal) and in this book he says Freddie, just weird.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews