September 2022

I have long enjoyed Sally Koslow’s writing, and her latest, THE REAL MRS. TOBIAS, is another great read. The book revolves around three women, all of whom are known as Mrs. Tobias. The first is Veronika, the matriarch of the family. A psychotherapist, she sets a very high bar for everyone with her lovely dinners, impeccable outfits (she does not know the meaning of the word casual) and exacting nature. The second is her daughter-in-law, Mel, who also is a therapist, albeit with fewer degrees than Veronika, which is duly noted. Mel has an artistic nature and is more of a free spirit. The third is Birdie. She is married to Micah, Mel’s son, and her daughter is Alice, a very doted-upon little girl.

As the book opens, Micah has been involved in a traffic incident, which he has decided to hide. Birdie is opposed to his decision, which is discussed by the family. She becomes rattled enough about it that she leaves him and heads back home with Alice to Iowa, where she still has a lot of family. She never became completely attuned to her life in Brooklyn. Once in Iowa, a more relaxed Birdie begins working in a bookstore, and Alice adapts to her new surroundings.

The dynamics of the three Mrs. Tobiases are played subtly, but readers are quickly caught up in their worlds as we eavesdrop on their lives. One will turn to another in a way we might not expect. Another will make a major life decision that will impact them all. It’s family drama of the first order, and it’s so well drawn in Sally’s hands. It will have you thinking about the relationships between mothers and their daughters-in-law. Book clubs, this would make for a terrific discussion. I am sure there will be lots of mother-in-law stories to share!