Arlington Park: A Novel
Set in a moderately posh suburb of London, acclaimed British novelist Rachel  Cusk'sArlington Parkis a captivating exploration of how the simple act of living can become an excruciating exercise in self-deprivation, hypocrisy, and desperation. Set over the course of a single day, the novel follows a group of young mothers who feel both anger at the husbands who seemingly imprisoned them in a world of minivans and coffee klatches, and resignation about the fates they seem destined to fulfill.WhileArlington Parkmay deal in toddlers and tater tots, it is certainly not another generic Mommy Lit clone. Cusk is  a skilled writer, and in her hands, a dreary lunch at the mall food court is  transformed into "lost property, but for people." As the day progresses, we  watch as Juliet chops her hair off in a small, if meaningless act of  rebellion, Amanda stifles a burning desire to scream at a neighbor's kid for  ruining her white sofa, Maisie blames her parents for not loving her enough  while throwing her daughter's lunchbox at the kitchen wall, and Christine  stuffs chicken breasts while silently cursing her husband for spending too  much time getting ready for a dinner party. In each scene, the  oppressiveness is almost unbearable, prompting readers to practically beg  these women to flee as far and as fast as is humanely possible.Of course, in driving her readers to the edge of frustration and outrage,  Cusk succeeds in creating a novel that penetrates deeper than most. Still,  after turning the last page, you might find yourself reaching for a little  Mommy Lit candy to take the edge off.--Gisele Toueg--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.