Matrimony: Book Review

October 5, 2007

A novel.  What a lovely respite from our busy days. 

Matrimony, by Joshua Henkin, is what we used to call “a good read.”  It begins with four likable (although not particularly industrious) characters in a small Northeastern college.  Their experiences are interesting and yet somewhat universal; my mind kept flitting back to my own college days as I read the first part of the book.  Henkin’s use of imagery is vivid, and his words, oh his words, go down smoothly as a strawberry milkshake and leave no regrets behind.

I really like this book.

The book progresses with the characters, following the main character, Joshua Wainwright through the years that inevitably follow college, and reintroducing us to his close college friend much later in life.  I won’t give away any more of the plot, but I just want to say that it has been a wonderfully enjoyable read and a nice escape from my everyday work and worries.

I would recommend this book to book clubs, mom groups, and anyone looking for an absorbing read about some interesting, but not stressed-out, characters.  The story sneaks up on you while you’re reading Henkin’ s beautiful words, and

As the author himself says, “Life is what happens when you’re not paying attention.”

This review was done as part of a Mother Talk blogtour and is also posted at Review Planet.

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