Ayelet Waldman‘s follow-up novel to Love and Other Impossible Pursuits explores the ways in which two families cope in the aftermath of tragedy. We have all been told at one point or another that time heals all – Red Hook Road is evidence of this. Set over the course of four summers we follow the struggles of two separate families dealing with grief, loneliness, despair, change, and of course each other.
The eight page prelude sets the scene. It is a hot summer’s day in Maine. Flowers decorate the halls of an old church. Guests stand around chatting amongst themselves – a mass of brightly colored dresses and black and white suits. Waldman goes into great detail describing one patient photographer trying to capture the perfect photo. We begin to find ourselves waiting- waiting for a bride and groom who will never show up.
This notion of time frozen still is one that is present throughout the novel. Essentially a story of loss, Waldman describes the devastating effects on two families longing for the past and the damage this has on their present lives. Waldman reinforces the importance of moving forward – to show the determination of an individual to overcome grief regardless of how powerful and overbearing it can sometimes seem. If any lesson can be learned from reading Red Hook Road it would be the importance of family. The way in which we are all bound to family in some form or another. We see this with the two families, the Copakens and the Tetherlys. In the beginning we see distinctively different families who are bound to each other through the marriage of their children Rebecca and John. When tragedy strikes, the families are left with a choice – pull together or fall apart. From the start of the novel to the end we see a rollercoaster ride where each character struggles with this idea and each fights to maintain their sense of self and sense of sanity.
Waldman’s ability to dig deep into each character is one of the most enjoyable elements in this book. So often I have found myself reading an entire novel without being given the chance to see into the lives of the characters – something which is both frustrating and unrewarding. Waldman hits this nail right on the head. She somehow manages the difficult task of devoting the same precise attention to the less enjoyable characters in the story. We begin to know Iris as if she were our own mother; we follow Samantha’s talent with eager eyes and sympathize with a tired and frustrated Daniel. The characters in Red Hook Road are so realistically described that it is easy to find yourself becoming immersed in their world and taking on their problems as if they were your own.
In fact Red Hook Road isn’t for the light-hearted. Waldman’s words run deep and are not easily shaken off. This is not the book you skim over at the beach – the characters will stay with you long after you have closed the pages.  At times the bleakness of the plot can become depressing and suffocating in a way. Grief is a tough subject that no-one wants to face. Therefore don’t expect to walk away from this novel and feel nothing.
This novel is expertly crafted with well written narrative, great attention to detail, beautiful scenery and believable characters. A highly enjoyable read, regardless of the difficult subject matter.
Red Hook Road is available now from all good bookstores, priced $15.00.
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