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5 Minutes for Books: Matrimony

December 8, 2008 by Jennifer Donovan

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

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Whenever I go a while without reading fiction (pushing it aside for memoir generally), I end up asking myself what I was thinking. Especially when I read beautifully-written literary fiction like Joshua Henkin’s Matrimony.

I would suspect that those who are lukewarm about this book do not generally enjoy character-driven literary fiction. I would not recommend this book to fans of thrillers or suspenseful who-done-its, but if you like the slower pace and thoughtful style of literary fiction, Matrimony won’t disappoint.

But this is not simply a character novel. It is character-driven, but there is also a definite plot. We care about what happens to the characters, and the author successfully tells the story of Mia and Julian, Carter, and even the ancillary characters. The ends are tied up, but not so neatly that it doesn’t seem real.

This book is about real-life. We follow a real marriage (several of them actually), and through that experience the themes of friendship, aging, loss, forgiveness, and identity, which all come into play as we live out our own marriages.

This novel, just like real-life, doesn’t always contain a lot of drama. Good things happen, bad things happen, and through it all life goes on. That said, it’s not so real that it’s depressing. A friend of mine who prefers sit-coms to reality television or drama often quips, “My life is real enough.” Fiction should transport us to another world, and this book does that. The characters of Mia, Julian, Carter as well as the minor characters like Julian’s parents and Mia’s family and professor Wainwright quickly enter the reader’s subconscious, which drives you to read page after page wondering how it will turn out.

Another feature that adds to my enjoyment of a novel is a strong setting, and this one delivers by incorporating two characters: New York City and the distinct feel of a college town.

Read more about the book and the author at joshuahenkin.com. Read a related guest post about book groups from the author at 5 Minutes for Books.

Would you like to win a personally autographed copy? Leave a comment here. We’ll announce the winner in December 15’s column.

This contest is open to anyone in the world! Due to legal restrictions, this promotion is not available in Arizona or Quebec. Please see our site’s Terms and Conditions of Use for a complete list of our Contest and Giveaway Rules.

The winners of Too Many Toys are #101 Diane S., #165 Jayne, #65 Maja.

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5 Minutes Around the Blogosphere – Week 62
Announcing 5 Minutes for Giveaways!!!

About Jennifer Donovan

Jennifer Donovan has been a part of the 5 Minutes for Mom team since 2007. She writes product reviews, covers events, and manages the 5 Minutes for Books weekly column and website. She lives in Houston and blogs at Snapshot about life with her family.

Reader Interactions


123 Comments

  1. Charlene Kuser says

    December 14, 2008 at 6:21 pm

    This book about a man’s journey sounds very
    interesting.Please enter me and thanks

  2. Phyllis Haner says

    December 14, 2008 at 6:09 pm

    It would be something to win this.

  3. Heather C says

    December 14, 2008 at 5:51 pm

    Sounds like a good read. Thanks so much!

  4. Sandy M says

    December 14, 2008 at 5:41 pm

    I would love to read this. Thanks for the giveaway!

  5. Renee We says

    December 14, 2008 at 5:26 pm

    I have enough of choas, twisted plots and mysteries for a while so this Matrimony story may have a calming effect.

  6. Pamela White says

    December 14, 2008 at 5:23 pm

    What a great book for me. I’ve been married for over 25 years and continue to learn new things.

  7. Jeanine P says

    December 14, 2008 at 3:55 pm

    Nice prize! I would love to win! Thanks so much for the giveaway!

  8. Tammy says

    December 14, 2008 at 3:41 pm

    Thanks for the chance.

  9. sarah b says

    December 14, 2008 at 2:36 pm

    sounds like my kind of read!

  10. VALERIE MORGAN says

    December 14, 2008 at 1:13 pm

    I need this for some personal vision………

  11. Diana Corlett says

    December 14, 2008 at 12:34 pm

    This novel sounds like a wonderful read. Would love to win it!

    dlcwin AT gmail DOT com

  12. kathy pease says

    December 14, 2008 at 11:24 am

    PLEASE COUNT ME IN ON THIS AWESOME GIVEAWAY 🙂

  13. Kathy D says

    December 14, 2008 at 11:02 am

    Love all the books you guys tell us about

  14. Kathy D says

    December 14, 2008 at 11:02 am

    happy subscriber

  15. Deborah R says

    December 14, 2008 at 10:53 am

    Thanks for posting such a clear review – I prefer books that reflect real life, so “Matrimony” should be something I’ll really enjoy.

  16. Vicky Boackle says

    December 14, 2008 at 6:44 am

    i love to read and this sounds good.

  17. Veronica Garrett says

    December 14, 2008 at 4:27 am

    Sounds great. I would love to win a copy.

  18. chastidy says

    December 14, 2008 at 3:24 am

    I would Love to read this!

  19. Hesper F says

    December 14, 2008 at 2:03 am

    Looks like a fabulous read. I’d love to win this!

  20. Kristen Hendricks says

    December 14, 2008 at 1:31 am

    I would definitely love to win a personally autographed copy of this novel. It sounds like a great read and I really hope I will get the chance to read it by winning it. This is a great giveaway. Thanks.

  21. Rebecca Chavez says

    December 14, 2008 at 12:29 am

    Contest entry…thanks for the contest.

  22. Cynthia Phillips says

    December 13, 2008 at 10:54 pm

    Please enter me. Thanks.

    Cynthia

    [email protected]

  23. Cassandra says

    December 13, 2008 at 10:50 pm

    Please enter me–thanks!

  24. Carrie Baird says

    December 13, 2008 at 10:10 pm

    Sounds like a good book. Thanks for the chance to win!

  25. Carla Pullum says

    December 13, 2008 at 2:36 pm

    Count me in!

  26. Marion B says

    December 13, 2008 at 1:46 pm

    Looks like a good book to read!

  27. Carol LuBien says

    December 13, 2008 at 10:04 am

    Looks like a great change of pace!

  28. Jaye says

    December 13, 2008 at 1:51 am

    Oh this would be great! I’d love to read it.

  29. Renee G says

    December 12, 2008 at 11:31 pm

    I’d love to read a copy of this.

  30. prplrush says

    December 12, 2008 at 9:59 pm

    This sounds like a wonderful book. I’m usually like that, I will read mostly fiction books, until I run out of them, and usually I come across really great non-fiction books, and I’m not sure why I usually stir away from them. I’ve never heard of this book, but you’ve peeked my interest! 😉

  31. Susan Smith says

    December 12, 2008 at 9:38 pm

    Sounds like a great book

  32. Erma says

    December 12, 2008 at 4:41 pm

    I would love to win this. Thanks for the chance to win.

  33. Kathy Conley says

    December 12, 2008 at 3:16 pm

    This would be a great read!

  34. Jennifer hedden says

    December 12, 2008 at 10:49 am

    enter me

  35. Terra Heck says

    December 12, 2008 at 5:00 am

    I’d like to read this book.

  36. Belinda says

    December 12, 2008 at 4:14 am

    I love a good read. Thanks for the chance.

  37. Amy says

    December 12, 2008 at 3:10 am

    sounds litke a pretty good book

  38. REBECCA TOWNER says

    December 11, 2008 at 8:46 pm

    would love to read this

  39. jan koontz says

    December 11, 2008 at 12:30 pm

    just to cool

  40. Janet F says

    December 11, 2008 at 2:14 am

    Thank you!

    janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

  41. Sheila Capell says

    December 10, 2008 at 11:36 pm

    I’m all about a new book like this!! Sounds great, hope I win!! Thanks!

  42. Christina G. says

    December 10, 2008 at 11:16 pm

    Thanks for the giveaway!

  43. DeeAnn S says

    December 10, 2008 at 9:46 pm

    I read when I take time for ME. This would be a good read.

  44. Mike Weisberg says

    December 10, 2008 at 6:14 pm

    I want to win

  45. michele anne jaquays says

    December 10, 2008 at 3:39 pm

    What a great prize. I would love to win it.

  46. Renee says

    December 10, 2008 at 2:15 pm

    Sounds interesting. Would love to win!

  47. Susan C says

    December 10, 2008 at 1:56 pm

    I have always loved books that contain the day to day happenings of domestic life!
    smchester at gmail dot com

  48. Kathy Scott says

    December 10, 2008 at 12:35 pm

    This looks like a great book. Thanks for the chance.

  49. stampedwithgrace says

    December 10, 2008 at 11:23 am

    sounds like a great book 🙂

  50. pamela s scott says

    December 10, 2008 at 11:05 am

    I am a bookaholic, this sounds like a great one to cure my cravings…thanks for the chance…

  51. Leona P says

    December 10, 2008 at 10:31 am

    please enter me

  52. Amy Lathrop says

    December 10, 2008 at 4:30 am

    jennifer…this books looks wonderfully refreshing. please enter me!

  53. Stephen Saunders says

    December 10, 2008 at 1:10 am

    please count me in. 🙂

  54. Linda says

    December 9, 2008 at 10:51 pm

    Please enter me in contest.I am a subscriber.

  55. Anita Yancey says

    December 9, 2008 at 10:50 pm

    I have heard a lot about this book. Would love the chance to read it.

  56. sito says

    December 9, 2008 at 10:36 pm

    With endorsements from the likes of Michael Cunningham and Janet Maslin, and a comparison to John Cheever, this is a book I really have to read. Winning it would make that easier!

  57. Anne says

    December 9, 2008 at 9:08 pm

    I would love to win, read and pass this book on to someone else!

    Thanks so much!

    🙂

  58. christopher h says

    December 9, 2008 at 8:41 pm

    sounds good

  59. Denise says

    December 9, 2008 at 8:23 pm

    I love to read! Count me in please!

  60. Elaine R says

    December 9, 2008 at 8:17 pm

    Sounds like a really good book-please enter me!

  61. susan varney says

    December 9, 2008 at 7:34 pm

    i’m a avid reader love to win

  62. C. clemens says

    December 9, 2008 at 6:47 pm

    great prize enter me please
    i want to win.

  63. Ronni Fox says

    December 9, 2008 at 6:42 pm

    You can never be introduced to too many new and good authors..sounds like a great discovery.

  64. Pat says

    December 9, 2008 at 6:37 pm

    Your review made me yearn to read the book. Thanks for the contest.
    Happy holidays!

  65. Adrienne Gordon says

    December 9, 2008 at 5:56 pm

    i love reading

  66. Nancy says

    December 9, 2008 at 5:50 pm

    This book sounds right up my alley! I’d love to win!

  67. Anastasia says

    December 9, 2008 at 4:23 pm

    I would like to read this book 🙂

  68. Lisa says

    December 9, 2008 at 3:18 pm

    Love to read, thanks for the chance to win.

  69. Kristi Hatten says

    December 9, 2008 at 2:44 pm

    sounds like a great book! i would love the chance to read it!

  70. Mary Ward says

    December 9, 2008 at 12:56 pm

    I’ve been wanting to read this book for a long time now!

  71. Alicia Webster says

    December 9, 2008 at 12:49 pm

    This actually sounds like a book that I would really enjoy. I like the slower-paced, character-driven, slice-of-life type of books, so this sounds perfect for me.
    Alicia Webster
    [email protected]

  72. Maja says

    December 9, 2008 at 11:31 am

    so nice

  73. MRS.MOMMYY says

    December 9, 2008 at 11:26 am

    sweet prize

  74. Sharon Jones says

    December 9, 2008 at 11:16 am

    would absolutely love to win this…thanks so much for entry!

  75. Helen says

    December 9, 2008 at 10:43 am

    Thanks for offering this book as a prize.

  76. Judith Rachmani says

    December 9, 2008 at 10:26 am

    Thanks for recommending this book.

  77. Cheryl F says

    December 9, 2008 at 9:29 am

    sounds like my kinda book

  78. Michael Capp says

    December 9, 2008 at 9:28 am

    I’d love to win!

  79. Amy says

    December 9, 2008 at 4:58 am

    Sounds like a good read!

  80. Stephanie says

    December 9, 2008 at 3:14 am

    I haven’t read any fiction in quite some time and I know I’m missing out! This one sounds like a “goodie” so please do count me in. I love character-driven tales.

  81. Lucy K says

    December 9, 2008 at 1:17 am

    I just got back into reading and this is so my kind of book. Thanks!

  82. Trish says

    December 9, 2008 at 12:47 am

    Sounds like a great read, and maybe I could learn something too!

  83. Heather says

    December 9, 2008 at 12:40 am

    This sounds like a delightful read. My brain is full of murder and mayhem, and plots and secret societies. I think it would be a good time for some real life character driven reading! 😉

    Lalycairn (at) gmail.com

  84. amandasue says

    December 9, 2008 at 12:15 am

    Count me in! I’d love to be entered for this wonderful book thanks!

  85. Janet says

    December 9, 2008 at 12:13 am

    I am subscribed.

  86. Janet says

    December 9, 2008 at 12:13 am

    I have your button on my blog.

  87. Janet says

    December 9, 2008 at 12:13 am

    I think this would make great reading. TY

  88. Adrienne! says

    December 8, 2008 at 11:54 pm

    Would love this!

  89. Kristen says

    December 8, 2008 at 10:42 pm

    I love books like this. Thanks for the great review. I look forward to checking out the book!

  90. Stacie says

    December 8, 2008 at 9:50 pm

    Great giveaway! Please include me in.

  91. Diane S says

    December 8, 2008 at 9:09 pm

    sounds like a good read…please include me in the draw…thank you

  92. Hip Mom's Guide says

    December 8, 2008 at 8:27 pm

    Thanks for offering this one up. Throw my name into the hat with all of these other avid readers, please. Good luck to everyone!

  93. Sonya Carey says

    December 8, 2008 at 8:02 pm

    Would love it!Thanks for your generosity

  94. staceyk says

    December 8, 2008 at 7:53 pm

    Sounds like an interesting read. Thanks!

  95. MJ says

    December 8, 2008 at 7:34 pm

    This sounds like a great book. Reading is a passion of mine!

  96. Martha C says

    December 8, 2008 at 6:56 pm

    Sounds like a great read!

  97. Faerylandmom says

    December 8, 2008 at 5:38 pm

    I could use something different to break things up on my bookshelves. 🙂

  98. Anna says

    December 8, 2008 at 4:35 pm

    I love to read. This sounds like a book I would enjoy.

  99. Terri says

    December 8, 2008 at 4:04 pm

    would love to win

  100. Kat R says

    December 8, 2008 at 2:39 pm

    I would love to be able to read a book that doesn’t involve counting, colors and such, a little quiet time and a good book

  101. Andria says

    December 8, 2008 at 12:13 pm

    Sounds great. I would love to read a “real-life” book! THanks!

  102. Susan Heim says

    December 8, 2008 at 12:06 pm

    Sounds like a great book! I would love to read it.

  103. Mama Zen says

    December 8, 2008 at 12:05 pm

    This sounds fabulous!

  104. Laura says

    December 8, 2008 at 11:55 am

    I am interested!!

  105. JenniferS says

    December 8, 2008 at 11:25 am

    Sounds like a great book! Thanks for the entry!

  106. Tiffany Smith says

    December 8, 2008 at 10:13 am

    I would love to read this book!

  107. Blessed says

    December 8, 2008 at 10:03 am

    This sounds like exactly the kind of fiction I enjoy reading!

  108. Keeling says

    December 8, 2008 at 9:45 am

    Enter me please! I’d love to win!

  109. The Diaper Diaries says

    December 8, 2008 at 9:26 am

    ooh, this sounds like it might be a good book club read.

  110. terra jones says

    December 8, 2008 at 9:13 am

    I love to read! thanks!!

  111. lifeasamama says

    December 8, 2008 at 9:09 am

    this would be great – i’m always looking for new authors!

  112. Julia says

    December 8, 2008 at 8:56 am

    You might be able to have too many toys, but never too many books!

  113. Vickie Couturier says

    December 8, 2008 at 8:01 am

    Sounds like a lovely book,would like the chance to read it too,thanks

  114. Mary says

    December 8, 2008 at 1:19 am

    I will have to check this book out!

  115. Jamaise says

    December 8, 2008 at 1:17 am

    Sounds like a book with bits of wisdom in too. Count me in.

  116. stacey says

    December 8, 2008 at 1:07 am

    I’ve heard so much about his one – I would love to win it! And don’t you just love that cover?

  117. Megan S. says

    December 8, 2008 at 12:36 am

    Sounds like a possible choice for our next book club read. Thanks for the review and the chance to win!

  118. Angie says

    December 8, 2008 at 12:36 am

    Sounds like a really good book. I would love a copy. Thanks for the chance to enter.

  119. Krista says

    December 8, 2008 at 12:24 am

    Yes, pretty please, I would love a copy of this book!

  120. Michelle Wyson says

    December 8, 2008 at 12:21 am

    Sounds like it would be a great book to read. Please enter me in the contest.

  121. Junglewife says

    December 8, 2008 at 12:14 am

    Sounds like a great read! I’d love to win!

  122. Alicia says

    December 8, 2008 at 12:05 am

    It sounds right up my reading alley!

  123. The Mom says

    December 8, 2008 at 12:02 am

    I would love to read this book, thanks for the chance!

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