The Clasp by Sloane Crosley

Kezia, Nathaniel and Victor, close to 30, after being college friends, are reunited at another friend’s wedding. They are all somewhat dissatisfied with life, but events throw them back together ultimately in France. The short story “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant (which was an inspiration for this book) is cleverly incorporated.

An accomplished essayist, and published nonfiction writer, Sloane Crosley held my attention with her wit and confident character building in this debut novel. The setting, New York and later, a chateau in France, was delightful and the wry situational comedy will have movie directors rubbing their hands with glee.

Less plausible was the storyline. I was left with a feeling of discomfort about the characters’ motives. While the small interactions were edgy and realistic, the main plot direction was weak, and let the excellent prose down somewhat.

An excellent observation of how life doesn’t always turn out as planned, and yet friendship and connection with others can turn out better than we ever dreamed.

ISBN: 9780091954444

You may also enjoy Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll. 

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