April 12, 2010
Two half-sisters search for the “thing of utmost value” in an inherited ramshackle Southampton cottage in Ganek’s witty new novel (after Lulu Meets God and Doubts Him
). The story is narrated by introverted, newly divorced, would-be writer Cassie, but the flamboyant center of the story is her older half-sister, Peck, a theatrical socialite determined to “bring out” her sister while thwarting Cassie’s sensible plan to sell Fool’s House, the cottage they’ve jointly inherited from their eccentric aunt Lydia. As they wonder whether the house’s treasure is a Jackson Pollock painting, a first edition of The Great Gatsby
, or a family secret, the sisters’ contrasting personalities clash in hilarious ways. During a summer marked by parties that recall both the artsy milieu of Pollock and the posh extravagance of Gatsby, the two sisters run into long-lost loves, strange neighbors, aggressive real estate agents, and charming artist hangers-on as they ponder the legacy of their beloved Aunt Lydia and their relationship to each other. Even though many of the novel’s revelations can be seen a mile away, getting there is a fun, witty, and surprisingly moving trip.
August 30, 2010
Ganek’s wispy story unfolds a tad too slowly for the audio medium; listeners may find their attention wandering as they wait for the slim plot about two sisters, an old house, and a missing painting to pick up the pace. But Justine Eyre’s delightful narration provides ample reason to tune in: she switches back and forth from practical Cassie to melodramatic Peck, from proper Englishman Hamilton to Scottish-burred Scotty, all with authentic voices, without missing a beat. Her lively performance injects much needed energy into the proceedings and makes this audiobook an enjoyable listen. A Viking hardcover (Reviews, Apr. 12).