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Sunday, August 17, 2008
title: Matrimony
author: Joshua Henkin
pages: 291
published: 2007
genre: fiction
first line: "Out! Out! Out!"
rated: 4 1/2 out of 5
Author Joshua Henkin
was kind enough to send me an autographed copy of his novel, Matrimony ,
and I have really enjoyed reading it. Thank you Mr. Henkin.
Read on for my review of this New York Times Notable book. And for info on how you can sign up to win an autographed copy.
Julian Wainwright was born and raised in a priveledged family. When he goes off to attend college in Massachusetts, with the hopes of becoming a writer one day, he meets and befriends Carter Heinz. Julian winds up meeting another student, a woman named Mia Mendelsohn, and the two begin a relationship. Carter also meets a woman named Pilar, and becomes involved with her. Carter resents Julian a bit for coming from a wealthy home, since Carter himself grew up struggling.
Julian and Carter talk about staying in touch after graduation. Meanwhile Mia's mother is ill with cancer. Mia and Julian decide to get married while her mom is still living so she can be there for thier wedding. After graduation, Julian and Mia move to Michigan while Mia attends grad school and Julian gets a job teaching at the university.
Years later, Julian goes to meet up with Carter.
It turns out Carter was attending law school but quit to join a group of people starting up an internet company. He ends up making millions of dollars in just a few years. Carter ends up telling Julian a secret that shatters thier friendship.
This was a wonderful read.
It's a book is about marriage, friendship and family. It's also a story about hope. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters. It was one of those books I didn't want to put down. I kind of 'lived inside' this book for a few days, and was very taken with the story.
The story takes us through almost the next two decades of Julian and Mia's lives. There is alot going on here, and you can relate to these characters and the everyday struggles they face. I liked Julian, I think his character grows throughout the story. You want him and Mia to be okay despite all the obstacles they face.
Carter has kind of a love-hate relationship with Julian, he considers Julian a good friend yet also envies him. But towards the end of the story, you see him mature a bit as well.
I think this book would make a great film.
About the author:
Joshua Henkin is the author of Swimming Across the Hudson, which was selected by the Los Angeles Times as a notable book of the year; his short stories, essays, and reviews have appeared in many journals and newspapers. He teaches at Sarah Lawrence College, Brooklyn College, and the 92nd St.Y in New York City
visit the authors website: http://www.joshuahenkin.com/
Book raffle:
I am raffling off an autographed copy of 'Matrimony' to one of my blog readers!
* To enter to win, just comment to this post.
* If you have a blog, and post about this book raffle, send me the link and I'll enter your name an extra time in the drawing.
A winning name will be drawn on Saturday, August 30th. good luck!
Special thanks to Joshua Henkin.
