Sara Goodman Confino’s new novel tells the story of Barbara Feldman, a thirty-two-year-old widow of two years who is raising two young children on her own. One day Ruth, her mother-in-law, shows up at her house with five suitcases, determined to stay as long as Barbara “needs” her. But Barbara is exercising her new-found independence and doesn’t feel she needs any help. She has started a new job at the local hospital and her children are gradually learning to laugh again.
But she can’t say no to Ruth, another widow who is grieving the loss of her son, too. So Barbara accommodates her, but resolves that the visit will only be for two weeks. That two weeks grows into more weeks, then months as Ruth makes herself at home and the two women struggle with each other over cooking, child-rearing, and interior decorating. After Ruth nearly burns down the kitchen, Barbara decides she must get Ruth out of the house. She comes up with a clever idea: she will find a nice man for Ruth to marry. Unbeknownst to Barbara, Ruth has the same plan for her.
The intricacies of this double match-making make for a delightful read. The characters all ring true and there are even some surprises in store for the reader. Confino portrays the grief over loss poignantly and realistically, including the fact that it is necessary for them both to move on in their lives.
These are two very different women, but beyond all the scheming and arguments, they find the strength to help each other face their futures.
Jill S. Beerman grew up in New Jersey and attended Montclair State University. She has a doctorate in American Studies from New York University. She taught high school and college for twenty-five years.
