That Old Cape Magic by Richard Russo

This book was one of the few book purchases I made since attempting to tackle my giant too-be-read pile. When I had to admit that the summer was actually over, I wasn’t sure if I should skip this one and just wait till next summer. But, when I decided to read it anyway, I realized that the story seems to have an appropriate “the summer is over” feel to it after all.

I don’t like to summarize, but a quick description will do. Griffin is a college professor who prefers to consider himself in light of his past semi-glory as an L.A. screenwriter. But he is living in Connecticut now, for many years in fact, happily married to Joy. He has raised a beautiful and caring daughter, Laura, and done his best during their marriage to avoid two things: his parents and Joy’s. He has prided himself on the fact that he has done the opposite of his snooty college professor parents — um, wait a minute, didn’t I say he is a college professor? Oops, try as he might, Griffin realizes that in running away from his parents, he has become them.

I chose this book because really, what could be more fun than a book by Richard Russo set in Cape Cod? Having gone there for a few vacations myself as a child, Russo’s vivid descriptions brought me right back. Griffin and his wife have gone to the Cape to celebrate Laura’s friends wedding. As is typical, their own marriage is cast against the light of the others assembled — the newlyweds, the newly engaged Laura, the single guy who can’t get a break, and the unhappily married couple they share the meal with at the “leftover” table. (love this description for the motley crew leftover when the seating plans are made!)

As if there isn’t enough going on, there are various friends and lots of family, especially Griffin’s mom, who is her own Greek chorus in his daily life. His father, recently dead, still rules his life — literally, from the trunk of his car — as he drives along with his urn unsure of how to dispose of the ashes.

This is really a sad but beautiful depiction of marriage, in its many forms. Griffin and Joy have been together 34 years, and much of what has transpired was decided on a fateful day on their honeymoon, when they came up with what they refer to as the Great Truro Accord. It was their love-induced plan for the rest of their lives: careers, children, houses and other goals. Griffin has silently struggled with this pact throughout their marriage, unsure whether the goals he put forth (to teach, to write) were true to his nature or just something he said when he was caught up in the moment. It is a question we can all relate to — who hasn’t said something and then later thought, was that what I wanted, or what I thought my partner wanted me to be? For most of us, hopefully, we don’t wait 34 years to try and take it back.