Sandwich

Susan Midalia’s Review 

American author and columnist Catherine Newman had a big bit with her memoir Catastrophic Happiness, as well as winning a slew of awards for her children’s books. Her new novel Sandwich centres on a middle-aged woman ‘sandwiched’ between two generations - her adult children and her aging parents – while trying to deal with the discomfort of her menopausal symptoms and the loss of her libido. If all this sounds like a familiar if not stale item on the menu, rest assured that the novel is a lively, thoroughly enjoyable read, as we follow the joys and tribulations of wife, mother and daughter Rocky (Rebecca), on the family’s annual one-week holiday to Cape Cod. 

​This isn’t a plot-driven novel, although it deals with the gradual revelation of an anguishing secret, as well as offeringan unexpectedly dramatic event late in the piece. Rather, it’s a warm-hearted account of middle-class family life in which laugh-out loud scenes and whip-smart dialogue combine with more sombre reflections on the ageing process and the inevitable loss that accompanies love. 

Unlike the intellectually brilliant and sexually audacious take on marriage and menopause of Miranda July’s novel All Fours (already one of my picks for the year), Sandwich is much lighter fare. But it’s also a reminder of how a well-written book that’s relatively easy to read requires a great deal of skill, and in this case, can offer many of us the pleasure and pain of recognising our complicated family lives.  

Publisher's Review 

One week in Cape Cod. The perfect family holiday. What could possibly go wrong...? From the author of We All Want Impossible Things, a raucously funny novel with an unexpected punch about being 'sandwiched' between growing children and ageing parents and the power of change.

Discover the joyful summer read from the bestselling author of WE ALL WANT IMPOSSIBLE THINGS, perfect for fans of Marian Keyes and Nora Ephron.

For the past two decades, Rocky has looked forward to her family's yearly escape to Cape Cod. Their rustic beach-town rental has been the site of sweet memories, its quirky furniture and mismatched pots and pans greeted like old friends.

Now, sandwiched between her children who are adult enough to be fun but still young enough to need her, and her parents who are alive and healthy, Rocky wants to preserve this golden moment forever. This one precious week when everything is in balance; everything is in flux.

But every family has its secrets and hers is no exception.

With her body in open revolt and surprises invading her peaceful haven, the perfectly balanced seesaw of Rocky's life is tipping towards change...

Praise for Sandwich:

'Sandwich is joy in book form. I laughed continuously, except for the parts that made me cry. Catherine Newman does a miraculous job reminding us of all the wonder there is to be found in life.' - ANN PATCHETT, New York Times bestselling author of Tom Lake

'A holiday reading gem for summer' - STYLIST

'Funny, wise, poignant and beautifully written' - NINA STIBBE, author of Love, Nina

'If you are after a book to pack on your next holiday, look no further. Here is a novel which will go down as easily as a chilled poolside drink' - i Newspaper

'A piece of perfection... Family, love, secrets, a marriage that is ordinary, imperfect, sexy and beautiful.' - RACHEL JOYCE, author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

'I adored this novel and am forcing it on everyone I know' - JENNY COLGAN, author of The Summer Skies