They May Not Mean To, But They Do

April 18, 2016
Schine (The Three Weissmanns of Westport) examines what happens when your other half dies with adroit observations about family, loss, and aging. New Yorker Joy Bergman discovers what it is like to be alone and old after her husband loses his long fight with Alzheimer’s disease. Without Aaron to care for, and with a new boss trying to retire her from her museum job, she suddenly feels each of her 86 years. Her children, Daniel and Molly, are filled with suggestions, but all involve taking away some measure of her independence. Things become further complicated when Joy brings a date to Passover. Meanwhile, Molly’s son continues to drift and her domestic partner’s dad keeps getting kicked out of nursing homes, and Daniel feels that he alone is worried about his mother’s financial stability. Joy’s doggedness when it comes to taking care of herself is recognizable and understandable, showcasing Schine’s intuitive empathy, and any adult with an aged parent will recognize her children’s well-meaning concern. Unfortunately, the ending peters out without a real conclusion. Agent: Molly Friedrich, The Friedrich Agency.

October 1, 2016

The Bergman family of New York City has always been close--whether getting along or arguing, they are unfailingly loving. Daniel (in New York) and Mollie (in California) have a difficult time dealing with their parents, Joy and Aaron, slowing down as they age, and when Aaron dies after a long illness, they are all grieving. Joy, in her eighties, has always been independent and working full-time. As she learns to cope with her new life, her children try to tell her what to do, where to live, and so on. She rebels, tells them off, and then scandalizes them when she reconnects with an old college boyfriend. This is a great story, beautifully narrated by Cynthia Darlow. She portrays each of the characters so well that listeners will feel like part of the family. VERDICT For public library collections. ["Schine's ability to shift seamlessly from one person's point of view to another's adds depth and richness": LJ 4/1/16 review of the Sarah Crichton: Farrar hc.]--Michele Lauer-Bader, formerly with Half Hollow Hills Community Lib., Dix Hills, NY

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