Sandwich
Catherine Newman
About this book
From the author of We All Want Impossible Things comes Sandwich, a sharply observed and deeply funny novel about midlife, family secrets, and the exquisite agony of letting go.
Rocky and Nick are in the thick of it. Navigating the complexities of middle age, they're sandwiched between caring for their aging parents and launching their young adult children into the world. When a summer vacation brings everyone together, simmering tensions rise to the surface. Secrets are revealed, long-held resentments bubble over, and the ever-shifting dynamics of family are laid bare.
With her signature wit and warmth, Catherine Newman explores the messy, beautiful, and achingly familiar terrain of modern family life. Sandwich is a poignant reminder that even amidst the chaos, love, in all its imperfect forms, still binds us together. Prepare to laugh, cry, and recognize yourself in this utterly relatable story of a family learning to navigate the ever-changing landscape of life.
Summary of Key Ideas
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Navigating the Sandwich Generation
The 'Sandwich Generation' Experience: The novel delves into the multifaceted challenges of being part of the sandwich generation, where individuals are simultaneously caring for aging parents and their own children. Rocky, the protagonist, grapples with the emotional and logistical demands of supporting both her parents and her teenage son, Ben. This involves navigating their evolving needs, managing conflicting priorities, and feeling the strain of divided attention. The book poignantly captures the unique pressures and responsibilities inherent in this life stage, highlighting the emotional toll and the constant balancing act required to meet everyone's needs.
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Redefining Motherhood and Self
Motherhood and Identity: "Sandwich" explores the complex relationship between motherhood and personal identity. Rocky reflects on her life as a mother, questioning her choices and grappling with the changes in her role as her children grow older. The novel explores the ways in which motherhood shapes a woman's sense of self, her ambitions, and her relationships. It looks at the sacrifices made and the rewards gained, while also acknowledging the potential for loss of self within the all-encompassing role of caregiver. Rocky's journey is one of rediscovering and redefining herself as her children become more independent.
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The Complexity of Family Bonds
Family Dynamics and Relationships: Central to the novel are the intricate dynamics within Rocky's family. The book examines the evolving relationships between parents and children, siblings, and spouses. Rocky's marriage to Steven is portrayed as a supportive partnership, but also one that requires constant communication and effort. The novel also highlights the complexities of sibling relationships, particularly as family members navigate challenging life events together. Ultimately, "Sandwich" underscores the importance of communication, empathy, and resilience in maintaining strong family bonds.
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Embracing Midlife Reinvention
Midlife Transitions and Self-Discovery: Rocky's journey is marked by the challenges and opportunities that come with midlife. The novel explores themes of menopause, aging, and the search for renewed purpose. As Rocky reflects on her past and contemplates her future, she undergoes a period of self-discovery. This involves reevaluating her priorities, exploring new interests, and embracing change. The book celebrates the potential for growth and reinvention in midlife, encouraging readers to embrace the next chapter with courage and optimism.
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Finding Humor in Family Chaos
The Messiness of Modern Family Life: Catherine Newman portrays a realistic and relatable depiction of modern family life, complete with its messiness, imperfections, and humor. The characters are flawed and authentic, and the situations they encounter are often chaotic and unpredictable. The novel embraces the imperfections of family life, acknowledging that there is no such thing as a perfect family. Instead, it celebrates the love, resilience, and humor that bind families together, even in the face of challenges.
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Balancing Emotion with Humor
Emotional Crisis and Comedy: The book uses humor to offset the more serious and emotional aspects of the story. This blend allows readers to connect with the characters and situations in a more profound manner. The humorous take on the family's difficulties and emotional moments emphasizes the capacity of humans to laugh even in the middle of hardship, while also offering a lighter viewpoint on issues including aging, family dynamics, and self-discovery.
Chapter Recap
About The Author
Catherine Newman
Main Quotes
"Everyone dies, and yet it's unendurable. There is so much love inside of us. How do we become worthy of it? And, then, where does it go?"
"Maybe grief is love imploding. Or maybe it's love expanding. I don't know. I just know you can't create loss to preempt loss because it doesn't work that way."
"Life is a seesaw, and I am standing dead center, still, and balanced: living kids on one side, living parents on the other."
"Ugh, my voice! You can actually hear the estrogen plummeting inside my larynx."
"He is “a beautiful man who understands between twenty and sixty-five percent of everything [I say].”"
"So much of privileged adulthood seems to take place here, in the space between soaring highs ..."
"To say to each other, I know how you feel. To say, Same. To say, I understand how hard it is to be a parent, a kid."
"“We're, like, knee-deep in sewage.” Nick looks up at me and smiles. “Are we knee-deep in sewage, Rocky?” We are not. “We are,” I say."
"In the passenger seat of one slightly rusting silver Subaru station wagon: a woman in her mid-fifties."
"I say quietly, but my veins are flooded with the certainty..."
Who Should Read This Book
Middle-aged women
Readers interested in family dramas and relationships
Readers who enjoy witty and humorous writing
Readers dealing with the challenges of aging parents and young adult children
Readers who appreciate stories about family vacations and transitions
Readers looking for emotional, character-driven novels
Book Summaries Like
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