The Three Weissmanns of Westport

by Cathleen Schine

The three Weissmanns of Westport are:

• Betty Weissman, the recently dumped wife. At seventy-five years old, she’s no spring chicken. She gave everything to her husband, Joe, and he seeks to take everything away from her.

• Miranda Weissman, Betty’s younger daughter, if nearly fifty could be considered young. She’s a failed literary agent, who specializes in memoirs.

• Annie Weissman, Betty’s older daughter. She’s a librarian by trade and has two grown sons.

Did I mention that the plot mirrors that of Sense and Sensibility? Because it does, but with a twist.

The divorce of the Weissmanns could be compared to the death of Mr. Dashwood in Austen’s novel. Betty and Miranda are nearly penniless, and Annie isn’t doing much better. Together they move into their Cousin Lou’s cottage in Westport, and our story begins.

If you’ve read Austen’s novel, you’ll have a pretty good idea of what will happen in Schine’s novel. Luckily, Schine has added a twist or two to Austen’s plot, making it more contemporary and quite amusing.

The novel starts out a little slow and depressing, but I would urge you, dear Reader, to keep reading! The payoff at the end is tremendous.

11/17/10