Matrimony by Joshua Henkin, 304 pages
I first saw this in the Barnes and Noble Discover New Writers pamphlet and was debating whether to read it after reading mixed reviews. When I read this post on one minute book reviews, I decided to take the plunge. I'm glad I did. The story of college friends and how their relationships grow throughout the years, focusing on one couples' marriage, was a solid read.
Matrimony reminded me of a Wallace Stegner story (specifically Crossing to Safety), but more modern and efficient - the honest exchanges are similar. It is hard to find a marriage story from the male perspective, and not turn the character into a much cliched louse. But this is a quiet study of lives shared that doesn't go too deep. The history of the characters comes mostly through examining their families. Their interactions with one another hint at something more left unsaid. Isn't that how shared lives usually look? (especially long term)
This book offers the potential for good discussion and the author offers to call into your bookclub (or visit if you're in driving distance). So give it some thought. 3.75 stars
The End.
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