We Are Rich

January 5, 2009
The leading lady of these 12 interconnected old money/new money tales by the author of Beautiful Wasps Having Sex
is the tiny California town of Rancho Esperanza, home to a clutch of archetypes. From the grand old 1940s to the near-present, readers observe the “too good to be true” town filled with beautiful old-money Republicans as it changes over the decades ending with the Clinton years, when so many “New People” move in with their fancy German cars that a Democratic congresswoman is elected by a landslide. While the writing is rich and often funny, Carter doesn’t deliver any revelations—old money looks down on new money, everyone sleeps around, people are dishonest and self-centered, and neighbors traffic in shame and secrets. There are moments of slick character work, particularly with Jerry and Renee Green, who end up in a tricky relationship with town “relic” Delilah Porter, but the critique of the vapid and insular wealthy feels too safe.

January 29, 2010
In this novel written in stories, Carter (Beautiful Wasps Having Sex) interweaves 12 tales told by the residents of a small, seemingly perfect coastal California town. The eclectic characters of Rancho Esperanza have lived or worked there from the 1940s to the present day. There's Fidelia the Honduran housekeeper and Lincoln Crowell, husband to Chicky, queen of the Rancho Esperanza Old Guard-all of them make up the fabric of the community, regardless of status or background. As each story unfolds, readers learn more about the evolution of the community, its residents, and their secrets and lies.Verdict Written as a satiric critique of society's attitudes toward wealth and status, these stories flow seamlessly from one to another, but most of the characters behave rather predictably. Unfortunately, when the biggest secret is revealed, the climax is less than shocking, too. Best suited for fans of character studies and social intricacies.-Shaunna Hunter, Hampden-Sydney Coll. Lib., VA

Copyright 2010 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.