Reviewed by Chun Yin Wah
For fans of Anne Tyler, The Amateur Marriage (2004, Vintage, London, 306 pages) is another satisfying book from a favorite author.
The Baltimore-based Tyler tells the tale of Michael and Pauline, who met, married, had children and gradually drifted apart. In typical Tyler style, the book overflows with day-to-day events, such as happen to everyone.
Initially, beautiful Pauline ran into Michael’s life, and he fell in love with her at first sight. He then lived with his mother and ran a small corner store. Once married, Pauline and Michael had three children and continued living with Michael’s mother until she passed away.
Time estranged the couple. Their eldest daughter ran away, which burdened the faltering marriage. When finally found, the wayward daughter admitted to abandoning a three-year-old son. Hearing about this, Michael and Pauline went to collect their grandson.
In a routine argument after 20-plus years of marriage, Michael walked out on Pauline and later married her girlhood friend. The eldest daughter, when returning to look for her son, became reacquainted with her siblings and father, but Pauline had died in a car accident. After so many years, everyone had their own families, and no one made a special effort to maintain the original unit.
The Amateur Marriage calmly explores family issues. Arguably, Pauline really died of heartbreak and disappointment inflicted by her husband and children.
This book builds on the success of Tyler’s past novels, like Searching For Caleb, Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant, The Accidental Tourist, Breathing Lessons, Saint Maybe and A Patchwork Planet. The masterful Tyler continues to win new fans.
Approval Rating: 81 per cent.
(September 27, 2006)
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