Saturday, March 30, 2019

My Coney Island Baby; Billy O'Callaghan


AUTHOR:  Billy O'Callaghan
PUBLISHER:  Harper
PUB. YEAR: 2019
SETTING:  New York
FORMAT:  -  review copy ( 241 pp)
RATING: 3.5/5

For nearly 25 years Michael and Caitlin, now in their mid 40s, have been lovers.  The two are each married but, once a month, on a Tuesday, they escape the emptiness within their marriages and, continue to carry on an intense affair at a little motel on Coney Island.  On this particular Tuesday, something is different as each is faced with a difficult situation that could mean the end of their days together.

The is a quiet novel, fairly short and plays out over the course of one day. The story reveals a lifetime of pain and regrets.  The writing is beautiful, I found myself rereading more than a few passages, at times it was tender and sad.  I liked that the reader got the perspective of both Michael and Caitlin and insight into their marriages.  I liked this book and was glad I read it but,  I thought I'd love it and I just didn't.  

14 comments:

  1. Thanks for your review in any case.

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  2. From the blurb I would think it would be a very good book. Sorry it wasn't as good as you would have liked.

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  3. The premise reminds me of the old film The Way We Were (is that right? The one where they meet once a year for an affair).

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    1. I think you're thinking of Same Time Next Year with Alan Alda. I remember loving that movie when it first came out.

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    2. Yes, I think Les has the title you were thinking of.

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    3. Les has the title you were thinking of. Same Time Next Year.

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  4. This sounded an interesting book, it's a shame that it didn't turn out as good as it promised. Great review nonetheless.

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  5. The description of this book is so appealing and I would expect to love it, too. Sorry that didn't turn out to be the case for you.

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