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A modern classic first published in 1978 that is as much a sophisticated romantic comedy about the love between two partners as it is a novel about the powerful bonds shared by family members, friends, colleagues and confidants. "A funny, loving, celebratory book in which everything is perfect." — The Boston Globe Guido and Vincent, best friends (and third cousins), aren’t expecting to fall head-over-heels in love, but that is exactly what happens. Guido is smitten with Holly, a dazzling young woman who chafes at the idea of complacency, while Vincent falls for Misty, a work colleague with an acerbic sense of humor who seems as uninterested in romance as she is in Vincent (at first). In the months that follow, both couples will experience the rituals of courtship, jealousy, estrangement, family entanglements, and other perils of the heart as they try to find love in spite of themselves. Colwin is a master of portraying the messiness of life: here, in hilarious and endearing prose, she follows these two improbable pairs, and their families, as they navigate and ultimately find happiness together—not all the time, but for most of it. With a foreword by Katherine Heiny, author of Early Morning Riser. Review: A light, pleasant read - Here we have the tale of Guido and Vincent cousins and best friends. We follow them as they finish their college years and take up their careers. One thing that these young men have in common is that they are both attracted to women who they find very inscrutable. However, the heart being the heart, each young man marries the woman of his desire. Although there are some bumps along the way for the most part life runs smoothly for these couples. I enjoy the late Colwin's writing style. She is able to give us a great sense of place. I enjoyed the description of Holly and Guido's apartment. I think that if you are looking for a well crafted novel that is more character than plot driven, this may be the book for you. If you have been reading a lot of dystopian books or nonfiction, this might be a good palate cleanser. It is a short book and a fun read. Review: Fun, quick read - The characters in the book are very interesting and the story is engaging. After reading the book, the title is a bit of mystery. The book provided great discussion at our book club.



| Best Sellers Rank | #89,272 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #550 in Humorous Fiction #700 in Contemporary Literature & Fiction #4,291 in Literary Fiction (Books) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.1 out of 5 stars 1,528 Reviews |
D**N
A light, pleasant read
Here we have the tale of Guido and Vincent cousins and best friends. We follow them as they finish their college years and take up their careers. One thing that these young men have in common is that they are both attracted to women who they find very inscrutable. However, the heart being the heart, each young man marries the woman of his desire. Although there are some bumps along the way for the most part life runs smoothly for these couples. I enjoy the late Colwin's writing style. She is able to give us a great sense of place. I enjoyed the description of Holly and Guido's apartment. I think that if you are looking for a well crafted novel that is more character than plot driven, this may be the book for you. If you have been reading a lot of dystopian books or nonfiction, this might be a good palate cleanser. It is a short book and a fun read.
P**A
Fun, quick read
The characters in the book are very interesting and the story is engaging. After reading the book, the title is a bit of mystery. The book provided great discussion at our book club.
J**E
Enjoyable, but...
I enjoyed this novel, but it took me a while to read it. I’d often pick up something else instead. I wasn’t engrossed with the story, although the characters were interesting, I didn’t feel engaged with any of them. I did love the ending however!
J**S
never a wrong note
This is a book that is pitch perfect. It describes and makes alive a milieu and time that really unless say we idolize Katherine Hepburn and watch the old movies was a society and milieu that though privileged and rich had already descended into irrelevance except to each other. Clever and witty and just the sort of discussion you wish you and your friends had if you weren't on social media or rehashing old Friends episodes or sitting down to now healthy new HamburgerHelper, not vegan little me I should add. Fun and gracious and just a little dig here and there that makes you ask, they did? Probably so.
J**E
this beautiful story by a refreshingly talented author
20 years after reading this gem of a book, I searched Amazon and eventually found what I was as looking for; this beautiful story by a refreshingly talented author. I remember while reading this book as a 20-something and I felt like I wanted to be a character in her story. These like able characters would hang out, eat lovely meals together, while learning to navigate romantic relationships and the world. It was something I could relate to back then. When I heard the author died, it made me very sad Her writing was the equivalent of comfort food! Im glad I can order this book as a reminder of what I was going through and be nourished again by Laurie. I wish she were here to write more and nourish me through this stage of my life. Good job, Laurie! PS I will tell Amazon that your book should come up first with this title search (not advertising, give me a break Amazon)!
J**D
slow but steady
such quirky and likable characters - a study of relationships and how they evolve. really liked this one despite not a lot of action
E**N
One of my favorite books
I read this book when it was first published in 1978, and immediately became a Laurie Colwin fan. I re-read this at least once a year because it's a sweet tale, intelligently written, and I always feel better after I'm finished. Laurie Colwin, who died in 1992, was (IMO) a gifted writer; she left us much too soon.
C**J
kind of predictable
But nothing really happens, and the character development is lacking and superficial. The characters, on the surface, were interesting enough to keep my attention, quite reminiscent of a dinner party.
P**T
Not so happy all the time
,but, it is sometimes complicated to live together with another person, however love and afection helps to overcome doubts and fears and the feeling of beeing left alone, with a little bit of help from friends. Stile and expressivnes are wonderfull . Its enjoyeable reading.
F**N
Love this writer
Very sweet natured writing about wealthy washy New Yorkers. Lots about food. Love this writer so cosy to read and re read.
N**D
Snelle levering
Snelle levering
A**N
Book condition is quite good
The cover of this version is pretty, although it has been on sale for a long time so it looks a bit old.
M**E
Muy interesante
Compré el libro después de leer una crítica. Vale la pena, a veces, hacer caso de las críticas. Es bueno
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