Book Review – Matrimony

Matrimony: A Novel

Joshua Henkin

Like all great fiction does, Joshua Henkin’s Matrimony gripped me from the first sentence:

“Out!  Out!  Out!”  The first words Julian Wainwright ever spoke, according to his father, Richard Wainwright III, graduate of Yale and grand lubricator of the economic machinery, and Julian’s mother, Constance Wainwright, Wellesley graduate and descendant of a long family of Pennsylvania Republicans.

Though Julian is the epitome of upper-east-side, white, male privilege, the book isn’t about that.  As the title indicates the story is really about the relationship that Julian, a writer, has with Mia, a college classmate he fortuitously meets in the laundry room.  The book chronicles their lives from their infatuation to commitment, and examines all the complex layers that become the foundation of a long-term relationship.

This novel was very enjoyable to read.  I cared deeply about each of the characters because Henkin created them so beautifully.  As I read, and developed a better sense of who they were, I befriended them.  I started to care where they were going, and how they were going to come out of certain situations.  Undoubtedly, a sign that Henkin has written strong, multi-dimensional characters. 

As a writer, I also derived delight from reading about a fellow writer, and being able to relate to a lot of the struggles he faces professionally.  While some of the plot points were predictable, that actually didn’t work against the novel.  Henkin’s portrayal of relationships is honest, and didn’t fail to encompass the struggles, joys, comforts, and anxieties of relationships.

If you’re looking for a thrill or action, this isn’t your book, but if you’re looking for a smart piece of fiction that delves into the subtleties of long-term romantic relationships, this book is for definitely you.