River Ridge, New Jersey, 1978: As feminism takes root in this tight-knit Modern Orthodox community, women are starting businesses, rethinking their marriages, and challenging their synagogue's long-standing rules.
Not Marilyn Weisfeld.
Once a promising writer, Marilyn gave up her literary dreams twenty years ago when she married Jerry, a self-important professor of economics. Now, she's too busy raising children, braiding challahs, and entertaining her husband's insufferable colleagues to think about what else her life might have held... until the night an old friend comes to dinner.
When bestselling author Henry Goldfarb asks for Marilyn's feedback on his new novel, something long buried inside her stirs back to life. And when he encourages her to write again, she starts sneaking into Manhattan every week to see him. In long afternoons of shared stories, easy laughter, and soul-baring conversations, Marilyn catches glimpses of a more fulfilling life she could be living - if only she can find the courage to reach for it.
But change always comes at a cost. And as Marilyn's feelings for Henry begin to blur boundaries and test loyalties, the tidy existence she has woven so carefully in River Ridge begins to unravel. Caught between the comfort of old rhythms and the thrill of new possibilities, she will have to decide exactly what price she's willing to pay to live bravely, authentically, and without regret. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)
I am so thankful that I got a chance to read All Afternoon. I enjoyed so much about it and found a lot of things relatable (except for the absolute prick of a husband). I felt emotionally connected and picked it up every chance I got. It was nice to read about a character a bit closer in age who is also Modern Orthodox. There were lots of Jewish references and scenes set during Shabbat and holidays.
There's an aspect of this novel that reminds me of the movie Waitress. When you read it, I think you'll know what I'm talking about.
What I liked a lot was that things weren't perfect for Marilyn. The story went in a different direction than I expected, but it also felt realistic to go in that direction. I also like that this story takes place in the late seventies, which was a simpler time and didn't push the characters into being on social media. They had to communicate by actually picking up a phone to call someone. Or by sending a letter in the mail.
Jerry was so awful that I kept sending messages to Susan to tell her how much I couldn't stand him. And he was the husband! That's the sign of a well-written villain. I even told my husband how I was annoyed that this man sang "Eshet Chayil" but then disrespected his wife so often.
Overall, an impressive debut with great dialogue and lots of humor. I especially loved the song parodies. It's perfect for fans of Sara Goodman Confino. I even feel inspired to write short stories again and I am now participating in a writing challenge as a result. (Here is my first short story.)
(Trigger warnings below.)
Jerry: Jason Schwartzman
Henry: John Magaro (Funny enough, I think he and Yael were paired up in Orange is the New Black)
Bernice: Jane Levy
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TW: Death of parents, death of sibling, emotional abuse, emotional infidelity
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