Alternate Side by Anna Quindlen tells the story of marriage and life through Charlie and Nora Nolan, who live ensconced in a clannish, small street of stately homes in New York cities. The book is a slow burn. It takes a while to realize that this book is more about the city and the characters than a plot. I go from not being sure I am enjoying the book to crying by the end because the emotion creeps up on me.
Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2018/09/alternate-side.html
Reviewed for NetGalley
Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2018/09/alternate-side.html
Reviewed for NetGalley
The book started out slowly but then you find yourself invested in Nora, her relationships and her neighborhood. Interesting to read a book about a NYC neighborhood that felt almost suburban at times, but with the amenities and pitfalls of city life. I thought that the character of Nora was so well fleshed out-you really felt as if you knew her. Once again, Anna Quindlen does not disappoint.
This is about the slow disintegration of a marriage. Nothing earth shattering happened in the marriage, just years of work and kids and house repairs and they slowly drifted apart. The Nolans seem to have it all but Nora Nolan comes to realize that they have drifted apart and that her husband is unhappy. So at the end they separate and go on their own way. Again, nothing earth shattering about the break up. Book was a little slow in parts. There was no real action but just Nora living her life day in and day out and coming to realize that she and Charlie were living parallel but separate lives.
Beautifully written..brings the reader into the world of the Westside neighborhood and all it's interesting inhabitants.