Love, Work, Children

by Cheryl Mendelson

This is the second novel in the author’s brainy Morningside Heights trilogy. Our story focuses on lawyer Peter Frankl and his family.

Peter is married to Lesley, an artist and a complete mismatch for him. They have stayed married for a long time, but only for the sake of their children, Susan and Louis. Unfortunately, staying married hasn’t served as a good example for their children. Both are nearing thirty years of age, and it appears as though neither child will ever marry.

The Frankls are given another chance and life (and love) when Lesley is in a near fatal car crash. While Lesley lies in a coma, Peter is given the gift of time away from her. His children are given the same gift, as well as the gift of perspective, especially when it comes to their parents’ marriage.

What follows is a story of personal growth for the Frankl family. The backdrop, of course, is the Morningside Heights neighborhood and its uniquely interconnected residents.

While the author’s intellectual style can be pretentious, the novel is worth reading. The ending is extremely rewarding.

1/15/11