Scan barcode
A review by abstract_amber77
That Old Cape Magic by Richard Russo
3.0
Everything is not always as it seems, and this story is a testament to that. Whether or not the author intended to base the book on the systems theory, I cannot say, but as someone who just finished a course on family therapy, it is hard not to parallel this tale to a case study I might review in class. On the surface, problems are not always what they appear, and in relationships we often blame our failures on everything but what the true problem is. Such is the case for Griffin and Joy in That Old Cape Magic, and for their parents before them.
I am certain I would have viewed this story differently if not for my studies, but my point of view based on my current knowledge is that this is a tale of the unresolved attachment many have with their parents, and how we choose spouses who will mimic that relationship with our parents in an attempt to heal our relationship with them, and also to heal ourselves. Mix in the magic of Cape Cod, a narcissistic mother, and a splash of comedy, and you have an interesting tale that that left me bored at times, but ultimately fed me with enough intrigue to want to see how it all turns out. I likely will never return to this story for a second read, but I'm glad I read it, nonetheless.
I am certain I would have viewed this story differently if not for my studies, but my point of view based on my current knowledge is that this is a tale of the unresolved attachment many have with their parents, and how we choose spouses who will mimic that relationship with our parents in an attempt to heal our relationship with them, and also to heal ourselves. Mix in the magic of Cape Cod, a narcissistic mother, and a splash of comedy, and you have an interesting tale that that left me bored at times, but ultimately fed me with enough intrigue to want to see how it all turns out. I likely will never return to this story for a second read, but I'm glad I read it, nonetheless.