Julie C. reviewed on 11/10/2009 + 3 more book reviews

Gripping story explores the many facades that cover the truth of a seemingly charmed family in the WASPy suburbs of Westchester County, NY circa 1950s and 60s -- and growing up as the daughter of acclaimed writer John Cheever no less. Susan Cheever does a brilliant job exploring the underbelly of this highly appearance-oriented, alcoholic culture. In some respects, she seems to come to peace with her father and all his addictions and contradictions -- loving, but unsparingly judgmental; a devoted suburban Dad who engaged in numerous affairs with other men as well as women; an Old Money "country squire" whose own income was extremely precarious for years. Even knowing that Susan Cheever went on to became both an alcoholic and a self-described "sex addict" for many of her adult years, this book offers valuable insights and lessons from a time, place and society that many readers will appreciate. Along with all her family's burdens, Ms. Cheever inherited her father's stunning writing talent.

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