Lolly Winston Happiness Sold Separately

Happiness Sold Separately

Lolly Winston

Warner, Aug 2006, $21.99

ISBN 0446533068

In Northern California Ted and Elinor Mackey seem to have the perfect marriage until she discovers her spouse is cheating on her with his single mom trainer, Gina Ellison at a time when she has undergone hormone treatments so they can have a baby. Surprisingly, the forty years old Silicon Valley lawyer understands why her podiatrist spouse is having an affair as their sex life is zero between her conceiving endeavors, a miscarriage, her work, and the laundry; her drive is nonexistent. In fact he has supported her emotionally all the way.

Gina is an intelligent person who believes she loves Ted, but is not sure he fully reciprocates as he obviously has feelings for his wife. However, Gina is concerned with Ted's kindness towards her ten year old son, Toby, who sees the podiatrist as a heroic nurturing father. Elinor decides to confront Ted, who ends the affair while pondering whether to end his marriage as he and his wife separate; in his mind they already had separated. Elinor begins dating tree doctor Noah Orch while Ted returns to Gina. Four individuals are caught in interconnected dysfunctional relationships that cannot continue with the status quo.

This astute character study hooks the reader because the key players making up the rectangle behave human with needs that enhance their flaws. The story line avoids being a morality play as no one is condemned for their behavior though Ted and Gina know their relationship could end up having an adverse impact on her preadolescent child. Readers will appreciate this strong family drama as Lolly Winston offers no easy solutions to the complexity of human relationships.

Harriet Klausner