March 2020

In THE JETSETTERS by Amanda Eyre Ward, Charlotte Perkins wins an essay contest to “Become a Jetsetter.” The prize winners include not only her, but also her three children, who are estranged. A 10-day cruise to Athens and Rome on an over-the-top cruise ship, the Splendido Marveloso (you have to love the name), sounds like the perfect way for them to reunite…with a fun vacation. Emphasis here on “sounds perfect.”

So Charlotte’s daughter Lee, whose career in Hollywood has not exactly been stellar; her son Cord, a Manhattan venture capitalist who is hiding the fact that he is gay; and Regan, who is in a less-than-great marriage with children who keep her on the run, all begrudgingly are toted along on this trip. Charlotte wants to recover the days of old when it was just her and the kids, but the passing years have definitely splintered these relationships. Sounds idyllic, right?

On the seas, secrets begin to unfold, as the family members are finally coaxed to reveal their true lives, and who they are as adults. The question is: Will they like each other as adults and find their way back to being a family? Being a voyeur on their voyage is a lot of fun. And there’s a twist about the trip that was a very nice surprise. This is perfect spring break reading, no matter where you are. And book groups can have a field day with this family. Bring on the umbrella drinks and discuss.