by Stephen McCauley
Reviewed by Linda:
I’m sad to have finished listening to this novel and to be leaving the company of its quirky, funny characters. David and Julie were married briefly years ago and parted mostly amicably when David realized he was gay. Both moved on in their lives with long-term partners, a teenage daughter named Mandy for Julie, and beloved homes, in San Francisco for David, and the North Shore of Massachusetts for Julie. Then at midlife, their worlds simultaneously fall apart. David is dumped by his boyfriend and is about to lose his low-rent apartment. Julie’s husband is divorcing her and she is desperately trying to be able to afford their home by welcoming eccentric Airbnb guests to it. And unknown to her, Mandy, is making dangerously poor choices of friends. When Mandy invites David to come for a visit, everyone’s life is changed.