Oh, I loved this book! Russo's Bridge of Sighs was one of my favorite books read in 2007, and although this one is shorter, less dense, and much funnier, That Old Cape Magic will probably be on my list of favorites for 2010.
The author explores marriages and family relationships, mid-life crisis, the emotional inheritance we carry all our lives, and the biases of memory.
Jack Griffin has an attachment to Cape Cod because the happiest moments of his childhood occurred during family vacations to the Cape. The current visit to Cape is to attend the wedding of his daughter's childhood friend, and memories resurface as he looks for a place to scatter the ashes of his father.
Russo's comedic touch is pitch perfect, but the humor is balanced with regrets, sadness, and loneliness as Jack struggles to escape the voices of his parents and their influence on his behavior.
Fiction. Family drama. 2009. 261 pages.
I've found Russo to be a reliably good read and always satisfying. My husband is a big fan as well. I think we have this one in our house, and I'm glad to know it's available should I get in the Russo kind of mood!
ReplyDeleteDorothy - I've enjoyed everything I've read by Russo, although Bridge of Sighs and That Old Cape Magic are the ones that stand out for me.
ReplyDeleteI won a copy of this. I'm so glad to hear you really liked it. I've yet to read him, but I will look forward to this one now.
ReplyDeleteDanielle - I hope you enjoy it! I really like Russo and thought this one quiet good!
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