Not really my kind of novel. OK, and a quick read. ( )

This was beautifully written, and the sections describing work as a theatre set designer were interesting. On the other hand the plot had no real shape and came to an abrupt end. ( )

I really loved this book, interesting and flawed characters though I'm not sure I actually liked any of them. ( )

Relatively interesting, but Cate is static. She doesn't change no matter how many navel-gazing moments she has. Many reviewers call this a novel of self-discovery, but I disagree. Cate knows who she is, why she's in the place in her life she is, and has no desire to change a thing. She coasts. Even the violent episode she saves Neale from can't derail her. And that event was a damp squib. It happens in the middle of the book and other than giving Cate more reason to be inert and Neale a reason to move, has little bearing on her life. I hoped for a return of one of the crazies to give some definition and impetus to Cate, but nope. Too bad, it had potential.

Some nice lines though -
"She understands she has arrived on another side of everything. No one is over here with her."

"Saya is ethereal in her presence, thin in a way that implies an internal focus, a diet of lichen."

"As if kisses between women operate on a different mechanism, like a language with a glottal stop."

"Cate is not accustomed to elation. She almost doesn’t recognize it. At first she mistakes it for indigestion." ( )

Carol Anshaw is one of my favorite writers and I have read all of her previous novels. They usually involve complex characters doing interesting things but dealing with major life decisions. Anshaw writes great witty prose with lots of humor which contrasts with the seriousness of her subject. The whole story unfolds through the voice of Cate a 42 year old financially struggling set designer for less then successful plays in the Chicago theater scene. Anshaw uses Chicago for lots of her books and being from there adds to my enjoyment of her books. Cate is involved with Maureen who might finally be the partner she would like to end up with. She is getting over Dana where her heart really is and has the ex-husband who she divorced when she came out living with her and his wonderful dog while he gets over his latest breakup. Cate also has a straight best friend Neale from childhood. Anshaw creates these interesting characters and mixes it all up to create an entertaining character study that deals with human beings dealing with life. Throw in the backdrop of the 2016 election, and a significant terrible event in the middle of the book and you end up with a very good read. The plot is not an important as the observations that are made by Cate and what we see from the people she deals with. It is worth reading simply for Anshaw's great writing. If you read this one I believe you will want to read the rest of her stuff. ( )