"This is a book that will last and last." THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER Here is a stunning collection of five stories and a novella, written in Jane Smiley's clear and elegant prose, and filled with the unmistakable sound of real people going about the business--and pleasure--of real life. In the title novella, "THE AGE OF GRIEF," a man meditates on the vagaries of love and family life. Certain that his wife has fallen in love with someone else--and been spurned by him--he tries to recover what he calls "the ironic middle," the good-humored, matter-of-fact heart of the marriage where he can keep her from knowing of his own sorrow.
Phenomenal stories. The title novella is a heartbreaker, and was made into the movie "The Secret Life of Dentists." I have read this collection over and over again. Jane Smiley is a wonderful writer.
John C. (bookwheelboy) from DULUTH, MN wrote on 10/26/2006...
By one of the big modern novelists.
Jan W. (lilikoi) from HONOLULU, HI wrote on 10/11/2006...
From cover: "A glorious achievement." The New York Times Book Review