June 2021

When I saw that Joshua Henkin had a new book coming out, MORNINGSIDE HEIGHTS, I was excited. That was last year; it was held because of the pandemic, and I kept it on my shelf to read it closer to its release. And I am so glad I did since I wanted to be sure that the details in it were fresh come publication time, which is now upon us.

When the book opens, it’s 1976 and Pru Steiner is taking a class with Spence Robin, a young Shakespeare professor, who is quickly making a name for himself. Their relationship moves from professional to personal in no time, and eventually they marry. It’s all quick but feels perfect. Spence is the pride of the university; he is renowned and beloved. Three decades pass when Pru begins to notice that something is off with Spence. He lacks the intellectual energy that she has known him to have. It’s something cognitive, and slowly Spence is slipping away, though he is still in his 50s. Pru is lonely, and at that moment a man comes along who she feels something for --- something outside her marriage. And she is conflicted.

Also layered into the story is their daughter, Sarah, who is now in medical school in San Francisco, and Spence’s son from his first marriage, Arlo, who has a tricky relationship with his father and stepmother. Sarah has followed paths that are traditional for their family, while Arlo walks to his own beat.

I was drawn in quickly. Book clubs, this one will lead to a great discussion.