[.ca] A Wedding in December: A Novel (ISBN 0316001635)

Melancholic:
The reunion of seven former schoolmates who hadn't seen each other in over two decades, on the occasion of a wedding between two of them, starts off some long ago unresolved issues and recriminations, where the concept of missed opportunities dominates. Most of them face these long forgotten issues with a heavy heart, because the passing of time hasn't alleviated them, as most of them previously thought. So the need to resolve, once and for all, what had been pending for so long culminates in a string of stunning revelations which eventually clarify things. As usual, A. Shreve's writing is somewhat dry but good, very good. The story and all its "ordinary" characters are captivating and absorbing. By reading this book, one cannot but wonder about the "what-ifs" of life.

AN ATTENTION GRABBING NARRATION:
Weddings are supposed to be happy occasions, a time for looking to the future. Such is not the case in Anita Shreve's intricately plotted novel. The nuptial event in her story brings seven old friends together not to look forward but rather to remember the past, reflecting upon the choices they have made in their lives and dwelling upon secrets kept. Actually, there might have been eight friends gathered had it not been for the drowning death of Stephen Otis during their senior year. It has been some twenty years since that tragic event but it continues to haunt Harrison who was Stephen's roommate at Kidd Academy. Once attracted to Nora, Harrison finds that even after all this time she can still cast a spell on him. But, who wouldn't be attracted to Nora? She was the class beauty who married an established poet, Carl, a man who left his wife for her. One would think she might have led a charmed life but not so. It turned out that Carl was demanding, self-centered. We hear: ""When a man leaves his wife and children for another woman, there's a burden on that woman. She has to be worth the sacrifice.... No one is worth that kind of sacrifice." Now a widow Nora has turned her Massachusetts home into an inn where the wedding of Bridget and Bill will take place. The two of them were young lovers but parted ways. Bill recently divorced his wife to be with Bridget who is suffering from cancer. The group is rounded out with unmarried Agnes who teaches at Kidd Academy, and has long been involved with a married man; a concert pianist, Rob, and his partner; and an unpleasant man accompanied by an almost equally unpleasant wife. Anita Shreve has crafted an intriguing tale about the choices we make and how they impact our lives for better or worse. Neither heroes nor heroines emerge but rather very human people, warts and all. For this listener, a few of those warts did not elicit understanding or sympathy. "A Wedding In December" as read by Linda Emonds is pleasant listening. She's an actress who holds attention with her narration and easily conveys joy or pathos not only with words but also voice and intonation. - Gail Cooke