What We Keep Summary & Key Insights

Elizabeth Berg's "What We Keep" centers around the intertwined lives of three women connected by the shared experience of loss and the enduring power of familial bonds, even across generations. The narrative unfolds primarily through the perspectives of Abby, a young woman grappling with the recent death of her mother, and her grandmother, Helen, a vibrant and independent woman facing her own mortality. The third crucial figure is Libby, Helen's daughter and Abby's mother, whose life and death are largely revealed through flashbacks and the memories of the other characters.

Abby, a successful architect living a seemingly ordered life, is shattered by her mother's unexpected passing. Libby’s death leaves Abby feeling adrift and disconnected from her own life, leading her to confront unresolved issues with her mother and seek solace in her grandmother's company. Helen, a spirited woman in her eighties, is a complex character defined by resilience and a hidden vulnerability. She's fiercely independent, but her age and failing health are slowly chipping away at her strength. The novel meticulously traces her journey through the stages of aging and the acceptance of inevitable loss.

The central plot revolves around Abby’s attempt to navigate her grief and understand her mother's life. Through unpacking Libby's belongings, Abby discovers a hidden collection of letters revealing Libby's past romantic relationships, her struggles with infertility, and her complicated relationship with her own mother, Helen. These revelations force Abby to confront the unspoken truths and hidden sorrows within her family. She learns about Libby's deeply buried dreams, her regrets, and the strength she displayed in the face of adversity. These discoveries not only inform Abby's understanding of her mother, but also allow her to see her own life and choices in a new light.

As Abby pieces together her mother's life, she simultaneously witnesses her grandmother's gradual decline. The novel subtly interweaves the two timelines, highlighting the cyclical nature of life, death, and the enduring legacy of family. Through Helen’s wisdom and steadfastness, Abby finds the courage to confront her own grief and forge a path forward. The relationship between grandmother and granddaughter forms the emotional core of the novel, providing a source of strength and healing for both.

The overarching themes of "What We Keep" include the complexities of mother-daughter relationships, the acceptance of grief and loss, the resilience of the human spirit, and the importance of family legacies. Berg explores these themes with sensitivity and compassion, highlighting the power of unspoken words, the weight of unresolved issues, and the enduring bonds that shape our lives. The novel ultimately offers a message of hope and reconciliation, suggesting that even in the face of profound loss, love and memory can endure.