Love is a Canoe

by Ben Schrank

In 1971, Peter Herman’s book, Marriage is a Canoe, was published. Based upon the summer he spent with his grandparents in 1961, Herman’s pithy self-help tome finds an audience. Though never a bestseller, its popularity is clear. Marriage is a Canoe becomes known as one of the “most shared” books ever published.

Fast forward to 2010: Peter Herman has never written another book, yet MIAC remains on the backlist of Ladder & Rake Books. As Peter witnesses his wife’s slow death, the folks at L & R are trying to revive his book and capitalize on the upcoming 50th anniversary of the events upon which the book is based.

Enter Emily Babson and her husband, Eli Corelli. The 30-ish Brooklynites are experiencing marital discord. Emily, who sought solace in MIAC when her parents divorced, is looking to the book again for an answer to her own problems.

Peter, Emily, and Eli come together via a contest, courtesy of Ladder & Rake Books. Emily wins the contest, and the prize is a weekend with Peter and his marital advice.

I loved this novel. Schrank includes bits from the fictitious Marriage is a Canoe and introduces several points of view in this realistic look at marriage. Love is a Canoe has a great concept, and it is executed well.

5/5/13