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A review by jess_mango
That Old Cape Magic by Richard Russo
3.0
3.5 stars
I've read a few books by Richard Russo, with [b:Empire Falls|187020|Empire Falls|Richard Russo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1403184884l/187020._SY75_.jpg|826474] being my favorite. Since it is summer and around her (for us at least) summer is in part about Cape Cod, I decided to finally read Russo's That Old Cape Magic. My take away message from this book is "marriage is hard and not always happy".
Growing up, Griffin's parents would drive from the midwest to Cape Cod. They would ironically sing "That Old Cape Magic" (a spin on That Old Black Magic) every time they crossed over the Sagamore Bridge on their way to the Cape. The Cape holds a special place in the family's heart. They dream of buying a house there but can never quite afford it. Griffin's parents aren't affectionate at all with their son and seem to prepare spending time without him. They both professors and are constantly striving to teach at a better school. They are definitely more into their careers than they are into being parents.
As an adult, Griffin is a screenwriter and also teaches screenwriting classes at a college. He's married and has a daughter. Griffin tries to work that old Cape magic on his wife but it doesn't quite hit the mark. Griffin is also reworking a screenplay throughout the book that is based on one summer he spent down the Cape as a boy. His parents are now divorced and like to speak poorly about each other to Griffin.
I appreciated all of the Cape stuff as I love reading books set locally or in places that I'm familiar with. However, I didn't really like any of the characters so I wasn't as into the book as I'd hoped to be. This would be a great book to read on a trip to the Cape if you were looking for something that isn't so light & fluffy.
What to listen to while reading (or taking a break)
That Old Black Magic by Frank Sinatra
Sunny Afternoon by The Kinks
Riptide by Vance Joy
Summer Soft by Stevie Wonder
Bye Bye Love by The Cars
Livin' on a Prayer by Bon Jovi
I've read a few books by Richard Russo, with [b:Empire Falls|187020|Empire Falls|Richard Russo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1403184884l/187020._SY75_.jpg|826474] being my favorite. Since it is summer and around her (for us at least) summer is in part about Cape Cod, I decided to finally read Russo's That Old Cape Magic. My take away message from this book is "marriage is hard and not always happy".
Growing up, Griffin's parents would drive from the midwest to Cape Cod. They would ironically sing "That Old Cape Magic" (a spin on That Old Black Magic) every time they crossed over the Sagamore Bridge on their way to the Cape. The Cape holds a special place in the family's heart. They dream of buying a house there but can never quite afford it. Griffin's parents aren't affectionate at all with their son and seem to prepare spending time without him. They both professors and are constantly striving to teach at a better school. They are definitely more into their careers than they are into being parents.
As an adult, Griffin is a screenwriter and also teaches screenwriting classes at a college. He's married and has a daughter. Griffin tries to work that old Cape magic on his wife but it doesn't quite hit the mark. Griffin is also reworking a screenplay throughout the book that is based on one summer he spent down the Cape as a boy. His parents are now divorced and like to speak poorly about each other to Griffin.
I appreciated all of the Cape stuff as I love reading books set locally or in places that I'm familiar with. However, I didn't really like any of the characters so I wasn't as into the book as I'd hoped to be. This would be a great book to read on a trip to the Cape if you were looking for something that isn't so light & fluffy.
What to listen to while reading (or taking a break)
That Old Black Magic by Frank Sinatra
Sunny Afternoon by The Kinks
Riptide by Vance Joy
Summer Soft by Stevie Wonder
Bye Bye Love by The Cars
Livin' on a Prayer by Bon Jovi