Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Book Review -- The Three Weissmanns of Westport

The Three Weissmanns of Westport: A Novel
The Three Weissmanns of Westport: A Novel by Cathleen Schine

My enjoyment rating: 2 of 5 stars (maybe 1.5)

Book Source:  Unfortunately, it was a personal copy

Challenge:  It does however fulfill a challenge requirement -- book with a NUMBER in the title.

You should never pay attention to a blurb that reads, "...homage to Jane Austen." It will invariably set you up for a big letdown. Because the truth is, nothing is as good as Jane Austen.

In short: Modern day Upper West Side AARP husband, dumps dutiful wife for younger, VP from his company. Dumped wife moves with two aging daughters to a cottage in Connecticut while divorce is finalized. Wife, daughters meet a hodgepodge of characters; advanced aged daughters constantly whine about the state of their professional and personal lives; and it all unravels at the end into a random, confusing, weird mess.

The only reason I gave this two stars was the first 40-50 pages were quite witty – to the point I actually guffawed out loud a few times. But the farther I read, the more I was reminded on living on Long Island – which happened to be the WORST two years of my life (except for the WORST two years I spent in Provo). It was a collection of a bunch of whiny New York elitists who have nothing better to do, while the author was trying to make it resemble a modern, East Coast version of Sense and Sensibility.

This book was rated as a New York Times Notable Book – notably unpleasant maybe.

Probably not the worst book I’ve ever read, but do yourself a favor – watch Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet instead.

 

5 comments:

Tina's Blog said...

I started this one a year or so ago and never made it very far. I was wondering if it was just me considering all the glowing reviews I read. Glad to know I'm in good company.

mpartyka said...

Oh no. Someone in my Omaha book club enjoyed the book so much that she recommended it, for some reason... we didn't read it.

I will pass on this one.

ps: will you see the movie adaptation of One Day?

Amused said...

Oh this does not sound good! Thanks for the warning!

Jessica said...

haha oh der. I remember when thi book came out, I did check it out but decided it wasnt for me (thank goodness!)

My Recent Favorite Books said...

Im your 400th follower! =)
I havent read this book..

Love your blog!