Esther Lustig is an elderly Jewish woman who anticipates her demise with frequency. She has led a remarkably uneventful life, has survived her emotionally-distant husband, has a somewhat contentious relationship with her daughter and, apparently, has not much interaction with a son who lives in another state. Esther goes through her list of life-long acquaintances in order to reconnect with long-held memories; this exploration leads to some information that is difficult for Esther to assimilate. She is frightened of being forced to leave her home to live in a retirement home, and her increasing interest in memories of the past lend her a poignancy that is endearing.

Share/Like this Review?