Matrimony by Joshua Henkin

Matrimony is a character driven book. While there are certainly events that happen, it doesn't have a pulse pounding plot. But it is very enjoyable. I happened to love the character of Julian, which is a relief since he was the main one!

The book starts out during the college days of our two main characters, Julian and Mia. Julian is enrolled in a creative writing course and I have to tell you, that was one of my favorite parts of the book because it was just so funny. I laughed out loud while reading it. Julian and Mia meet, fall in love, and stay together. The rest of the book is the story of them.

They travel around to a few different places throughout their marriage as Mia works on becoming a therapist and Julian works on his writing. Admittedly, I loved the parts about writing and Julian struggling with his writing because writing to me is the finest art. So that held a lot of interest to me personally, and I think that anyone struggling in a career in a creative pursuit would be able to relate to some of Julian's struggle.

There is also a college friendship that plays a significant role in the book, and there's a scene toward the end that I felt I could have written some of the words it felt so real to me. I can't say much more because I don't want to give anything away, but college friendships are different aren't they?

I'm not married so I'm no expert on marriage. But while this book's central relationship is a marriage, Henkin also explores friendships, adult child/parent relationships, and sibling relationships. It's a story about growing older and the passage of time and the ways in which your relationships and evolve along the way. It's a great read, but one to take your time on and savor. I have a feeling these characters will stay with me for awhile. Recommended.

Matrimony was published by Random House Pantheon Books and is available now.

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