Matrimony: A Novel

by: Joshua Henkin

Published by: Vintage Contemporaries

Reviewed by Kim Bagato

Joshua Henkin’s style in Matrimony: A Novel is subdued. The tale ascends slowly, much like watching the sunrise. There are moments when it’s difficult to see the story moving forward. Yet, before you know it, the main characters have migrated to a new station in life.

Julian Wainwright dreams of becoming a published writer. He meets Carter Heinz in a college writing class, both gifted with a love for the written word. They seem to be living parallel lives as they marry their college sweethearts and discover life beyond graduation.

The story begins in Julian’s freshman year at college in California. He marries Mia and they live a typical life of a young couple in love. Although the circumstances that lead him to Iowa are not what he’d planned for his life, I enjoyed the time Julian is at a writer’s workshop in Iowa where he befriends Henry. Both pilgrims on a journey of self-discovery occupy themselves with simple tasks as they continue the pursuit of being published. Eventually Julian makes his way to New York and finally settles in Massachusetts to raise a family.

Carter and Julian’s friendship seems to sit in the center of the storyline. We witness these collegiate cohorts become mature men. Their relationship is longer lasting than matrimony is for many people. They are able to forgive the unforgivable and appreciate the unappreciated aspects of one another’s lives.

This book is best read on a chilly weekend, snuggled under a blanket with a cup of something hot to drink. It’s like a long chat with an old friend about life thus far. There are some unexpected delights and tragedies, but overall, nothing new under the sun.

Armchair Interviews says: A quiet but quite special read.