An optimistic novel about looking for the best in everyone, including ourselves.
Mar Meyer hopes to have a banner year, a blissful stretch to forget that her quarter-century marriage collapsed, to mend the strained relationship with her son, and to make friends with people who never knew her as Henry’s wife, Margaret. Married life allowed Mar plenty of opportunities to explore her likes and dislikes, but now she’s focused on looking forward and exploring life with her newfound autonomy. This year is all about distancing herself from the past, and she’s off to a decent start. Her editorial job affords sufficient flexibility, she has a cute little apartment with a view, and she doesn’t owe anything to anyone. The only commitment she’s willing to take on is a membership to Seaside Fitness, a local gym replete with fresh faces and big personalities, just what Mar needs to adjust to newly single living. But casual acquaintances can never develop into meaningful relationships when commitments are off the table. Charlie Kittredge, aka Sexy Eyes, might be Mar’s first obvious obstacle in her new era of independence, but he won’t be the last to make her question her imposed detachment.
There is no shortage of women’s fiction featuring middle-aged divorcees, but when Ruth F. Stevens writes about gray divorce and second chances, you’ll believe anything is possible. The writing is eloquent without pretension and intellectual without condescension, an impressive feat for a novel whose protagonist might be described as snobby chic. More than being snide or opinionated, though, Mar is a relatable woman handling unwanted change with extraordinary grace. After spending time with Mar, readers will feel like they’ve gained an intelligent, witty friend, as well as a crash course in everything from wine tasting to yogic poses, and fine dining to email etiquette. Each newly introduced character has been crafted with definition and care. When exuberant Whitney drones on about insipid new movies, it’s easy to share Mar’s exasperation. Judith is so outspoken and impertinent that her first nickname, Effy, unequivocally identifies her. Mar’s mother is emotionally distant and somewhat obtuse, traits that prove they’re more similar than not, though it would be mortifying for Mar to admit it. This unique story opens with one cliffhanger and closes with another, yet manages to satisfy thoroughly. Lighthearted fun with an upbeat atmosphere, My Year of Casual Acquaintances is an optimistic novel about looking for the best in everyone, including ourselves.
