Unique.  Emotional. 

 

I’m used to loving books.  And occasionally, I find a book that just doesn’t work for me.  But it’s not often that a book leaves me this perplexed.  There were parts that I 5⭐️ loved.  But then, there were things that did not (full stop) work for me.  

 

The first chapter swept me away.  We were in Central Park last month, and this read transported me right back there, fully enamored with the unique escape it brings to the city.  Chapters focused on the park were interspersed throughout the novel, and each one brought me such joy as the park became a living, breathing character and spectator of the changing seasons, of life and time.  

 

The rest of the novel is a recounting of Abe and Jane’s life, as a couple and as parents.  Fifty years of memories were laid bare.  And while this is a love story, it’s not the kind found in sweet romance novels.  Rather, it’s an unvarnished and honest look at an enduring relationship full of ups and downs.   

 

As someone who recently celebrated 23 years of marriage, so much of what Soffer portrayed felt raw and authentic.  There were parts I deeply understood and others that I did <not> like at all.  And yet, the nuances of long-term relationships—the depth of love juxtaposed with the disappointments (and sometimes heartbreak)—were well depicted. 

 

But... the writing.  In parts, it was lyrical.  More so, the storyline unfolded as a stream of consciousness lacking structure and often repetitive.  Over and over, the phrase, “you remember,” filled full chapters making the writing choppy and underdeveloped.  While I understand the artistic reasons for this style choice, ultimately, it took away from its overall potential.  

 

🎧 The audiobook narration by Marin Ireland (FAV!) greatly enhanced this read.  Ireland

kept me engaged even when the writing style did not, and her depiction brought the depth of emotion to life.  I’d highly recommend this format.  

 

Many thanks to my friends at @duttonbooks and @prhaudio for the free #gifted copy of this book.