Alternate Side by Anna Quindlen is the story of Nora Nolan, a New Yorker. “Some people immediately fell in love with New York [City], and other people said they could never live there.” Nora is in the former group. This book is about “the City,” as New Yorkers refer to Manhattan. The author alternately worships New York City and chronicles the sad lives of characters who share her passion.
Nora has a career, first as a museum director, and later as a foundation director. Her husband works in finance. Her daughter Rachel went to Williams, and her son Oliver went to MIT. They are twins. They live in a single-family Victorian on a dead-end block. The people who own homes on the street form a closed community. They share a December party and May barbeque. They meet each other when they walk their dogs. They each have their own nannies and housekeepers, but they share a handyman.
Aside from their superficial interactions, they all have very private lives. When a neighbor attacks the handyman, the polite façade crumbles. The handyman is hospitalized and sues. This injustice makes it impossible for everyone to continue to pretend that they all belong together as they divide in favor of the neighbor or the handyman. This event stresses both the marriages and the community. As a non-New Yorker, I find this story very sad.
If you are a proud New Yorker, I imagine you’ll love this book. If you are not a New Yorker, this book might make you feel good about your choice.
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