Book Review: Sandwich: A Novel by Catherine Newman
Curling up with a book that promises to stitch together humor, nostalgia, and the complex dynamics of family is like biting into a perfectly crafted sandwich—satisfying and filled with layers of flavor. That’s what drew me to Sandwich: A Novel by Catherine Newman, a title that not only evokes delicious lunchtime imagery but also encapsulates the essence of the life-stage “sandwich generation.” As someone navigating the intricate web of familial expectations myself, I found the prospect of diving into Rocky’s world irresistible.
At the heart of the narrative is Rocky, a mother in the throes of menopause, sandwiched between the needs of her beloved but independent children and aging parents. As she and her family congregate for their annual summer retreat to Cape Cod—a place steeped in cherished memories and shared meals—Rocky finds herself grappling with the poignant tides of nostalgia, regret, and the weight of untold secrets. Newman masterfully invites us into Rocky’s mind—who knew that stories could unravel amidst clam shacks and the chaos of family board games?
Newman’s writing is a warm hug disguised as prose. Her keen observations are sprinkled with humor, especially in how she portrays the absurdity often found in mothering teens while simultaneously caring for her elderly parents. The juxtaposition of Rocky’s fond memories of her children as toddlers vs. the realities of their budding independence made me both laugh and tear up. One can’t help but nod along when Rocky reflects on her kids’ growth, wondering when the nest became so empty and yet somehow so crowded.
The pacing flows effortlessly, making the reading experience feel like a leisurely stroll along the beach where you can pause to take in the sights—or in this case, the emotional undercurrents. The dialogue among family members is witty and authentic, effortlessly illustrating the familial quirks we all recognize yet can never fully prepare our hearts for.
One of my favorite moments comes from a heartfelt reflection where Rocky comes face to face with her past. The laughter turns to tenderness when she acknowledges the sympathy and love that envelop each family member, even amid tensions. “Each sandwich,” as Newman describes, “is a moment nestled between past and present, a reminder of how we show love.”
While some readers might find the introspection somewhat slow or bordering on monotonous, I, for one, appreciated the emphasis on character depth and emotional resonance. The book isn’t merely a tale of vacation adventures; rather, it’s an exploration of universal themes—aging, regret, familial bonds, and the bittersweet nature of life transitions.
Sandwich: A Novel is a delightful read, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to those who cherish heartfelt stories about family dynamics, especially fans of authors like Ann Patchett or Nora Ephron. It invites us to reflect on our own experiences, reminding us of the messiness and beauty that life brings.
Reading this book was like savoring a delicious sandwich—filled with all the right ingredients and memories, it left me both full and nostalgic for the simple, cherished moments we create with family. Grab a copy, and you might just find yourself laughing, crying, and reminiscing, too.