Danise Hoover
– Booklist

It may be hard to envision a novel of manners set in our ill-mannered times, but accomplished author Schine has captured the essence ofSense and Sensibility and dropped it into today's Manhattan and Westport. The Weissmanns, elderly mother and two mature daughters driven to penury by divorce and career reversals, must rely on the beneficence of Cousin Lou for the shabby roof over their heads. Annie, still modestly employed as a librarian, has both salary and an apartment to sublet, so it falls to her to provide the income for the three. Alas,the other two spend money as if it were still the old days. Mother Betty affects widowhood as it is easier than the pending divorce. Sister Miranda finds inappropriate love. The wide-ranging cast of characters–fools, scoundrels, poseurs, the good-hearted, and secret heroes–provides interesting interplay. Wild coincidences abound, so that Manhattan, Westport, and Palm Springs are but mere extensions of the classic drawing room. There is sadness but also love in this thoroughlyenjoyable, finely crafted modern novel.