Gretchen Berg’s The Operator tells the story of Vivian Dalton, a telephone operator in 1950’s Ohio. Ever since she was a child Vivian has been interested in observing the people around her, and eavesdropping to learn their secrets. However, this love of gossip proves to be her undoing when it results in her learning a secret that flips her family’s lives upside down.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of this novel is Berg’s ability to keep you guessing. The fact that she held out on revealing Edward Dalton’s big secret kept me turning pages as fast as possible. The secondary plot with Flora, Bill, and Gilbert is also captivating; and I was interested to see how it connected with Vivian’s trials. Gossip is, obviously, a significant motif in the novel, and what it had to say is thought provoking. The more that Berg reveals about her characters and their relationships you realize you shouldn’t believe everything you hear or how things appear.
The characters are drafted well, particularly Vivian and Betty. Vivian goes from a woman who can be petty, and who has a penchant for gossip, to a woman who is creative and driven to continue her education. I thought Berg made an excellent choice by incorporating flashbacks to Vivian’s childhood to explore her idiosyncrasies.
I do wish we saw a bit more of Betty. She is set up as a villain who is able to use her social standing as a weapon. However, I felt that her motivation fell a little flat. I also would have liked to see more of the dynamic between Vivian and her daughter, Charlotte. I am curious how the tension and resentment between them changes once Vivian goes back to school.
For a captivating glimpse into the life and intrigues of a 1950’s phone operator pick this page turner for a good read. It also gives a wonderful view into small town family life. The Operator is more plot than character driven, but ceaselessly entertaining.
Shandi Sturgill 
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