After a long voyage through innumerable audiobooks, I came upon Catherine Newman’s “Sandwich” during one of my usual perusals of forthcoming releases. As an enthusiastic reviewer for years, this was not my first journey into the realm of literary criticism, nor will it be my last. There’s something inherently pleasant about discovering a hidden treasure among the enormous sea of tales, and “Sandwich” piqued my interest with its promise of comedy and heart.
My interest in family relationships in literature brought me to this work, which, like Laurie Colwin’s “Happy All the Time,” deftly balances pleasure with pain. The connection felt appropriate since both writers have a talent for weaving significant emotional undercurrents into commonplace life events.
Book Summary
Catherine Newman’s “Sandwich” is a touching and sometimes comic study of family life set over a week-long summer vacation on Cape Cod. The heroine, Rachel, sometimes known as Rocky, navigates the complications of being a sandwich generation member, stuck between her semi-grown children and her elderly parents.
Rocky is the 54-year-old mother of Jamie, who is accompanied by his long-term lover Maya, and Willa, a college student reaching the conclusion of her junior year. Her husband, Nick, is the ideal partner, and her elderly parents, Mort and Alice, contribute to the generational mix with their short visit. This holiday, like many before it, is supposed to be a mix of sunshine, family togetherness, and the regular beach home mayhem, including the infamous septic troubles.
The tale begins with Rocky’s excitement about their yearly vacation, a ritual she loves despite the looming shadows of menopause and accompanying emotional rollercoaster. This year, however, is defined by a slew of disclosures and secrets that each family member keeps. Rocky, in particular, grapples with a secret from her background, giving depth and intensity to the story.
Characters
Rachel (Rocky)
Rachel, known as Rocky to her family and friends, is the novel’s key character. At 54, she is navigating the turbulent seas of menopause while managing the needs of her semi-grown children and elderly parents. Rocky’s character is well-drawn, capturing the challenges of middle life with comedy and elegance. Her emotional problems and thoughts on her history enrich the story, giving her a likable and fascinating heroine.
Nick
Nick, Rocky’s spouse, is portrayed as virtually faultless. His supportive personality and persistent presence provide as a solid background for the family’s troubles. Despite his perfection, Nick is not immune to the stresses of family life, and his interactions with Rocky illustrate the complexities of a long-term marriage confronted with fresh obstacles.
Jamie
Jamie, Rocky’s son, takes his fiancée Maya along for the family vacation. Jamie’s character is trapped between the carefree days of childhood and the obligations of maturity. His connection with Maya and his personal maturation become prominent parts of the plot, emphasizing the family’s generational transition.
Rocky’s daughter Willa
Willa, is finishing her junior year in college. Her character represents the uncertainty and exhilaration of early adulthood. Willa’s path through the story reflects the larger topic of transition, as she struggles with her future and her role in the family.
Mort and Alice
Rocky’s elderly parents, Mort and Alice, provide an extra depth of intricacy to the plot. Their short contact over holiday reveals long-held secrets and unsolved difficulties. Mort, in particular, makes a discovery that shocks the family to its core, and Alice’s presence lends both comedy and poignancy to the story.
Analysis
“Sandwich” is more than simply a pleasant beach read; it is a multifaceted exploration of family, age, and the secrets we hold from people we love. Catherine Newman’s work is distinguished by her ability to merge comedy with sadness, resulting in a compelling and emotionally evocative tale.
Themes
Family Dynamics
“Sandwich” is really about family. The characters’ interactions emphasize the intricacies of family relationships and how love, hatred, and devotion intersect. The generational difference is addressed sensitively, providing insights into the many periods of life and the issues they entail.
Change and Aging
The story revolves on the idea of change, specifically Rocky’s experience with menopause and the altering dynamics within the family. Newman depicts the physical and emotional elements of aging with honesty and humor, making Rocky’s journey both realistic and moving.
Secrets and Revelations
The characters’ secrets give an element of mystery to the story. Mort’s discovery and Rocky’s confession act as catalysts for transformation, compelling the family to face their history and rethink their relationships. The process of uncovering and coping with these secrets is done subtly, avoiding dramatization and concentrating on the individuals’ inner realities.
Writing Style
Catherine Newman’s writing style is distinguished by its humor and charm. Her ability to capture the tiny, daily aspects of family life lends credibility to the story. The comedy in the book is often drawn from the chaotic and muddy reality of family relationships, while the more serious situations are handled with empathy and depth.
Newman’s writing style is both entertaining and approachable, making “Sandwich” a page-turner. The conversation is especially well-written, capturing the natural rhythms of speech and the complexities of the individuals’ interactions. The descriptive sections bring the scene to life, allowing the reader to experience the sights, sounds, and scents of the beach home and its surrounds.
Spoilers:
As the trip unfolds, numerous important mysteries are revealed:
Mort’s Revelation
Rocky’s father, Mort, makes a shocking disclosure about his history, which has a big influence on the family relations. His disclosure compels the family to reconsider their perceptions of him and their own relationships. This discovery marks a watershed moment in the book, bringing depth and complexity to Mort’s character and the whole story.
Rocky’s Secret
Rocky has held a secret from her past for years. The disclosure of this secret heightens the tension in the plot while also leading to a greater understanding and healing among the family. Rocky’s revelation is a moment of vulnerability that pulls her closer to her loved ones.
Jamie and Maya
Jamie and Maya’s relationship is facing a major choice about their future together. The circumstances of the trip push them to face their emotions and the reality of their relationship. This subplot adds a layer of emotional drama to the tale and emphasizes the hardships of adolescent love.
Willa’s Future
Willa’s future intentions become a source of tension as she exposes her own goals and doubts about her route. Her path through the story reflects the larger subject of transition, as she struggles with her future and her role in the family.
Conclusion
Catherine Newman’s “Sandwich” is a lovely and thought-provoking book that captures the spirit of family life, with all of its complexity. It’s a narrative about love, change, and the inevitability of getting older, all wrapped up in a week-long trip that is both funny and heartbreaking.
For those who appreciate stories that examine the complexities of relationships with a combination of comedy and sorrow, “Sandwich” is a must-read. Catherine Newman’s ability to depict the beauty and ugliness of life makes this book stand out, providing readers with something to think about long after the last page is turned.
In conclusion, “Sandwich” demonstrates the strength of familial relationships and the everlasting power of love. Catherine Newman’s superb narrative and strong understanding of human nature make this book a fascinating and enlightening read.
