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Cynthia V. (New York, NY)
Surprisingly Uplifting
A novel about a literature professor's battle with early onset Alzheimer's does not sound like something I'd ordinarily be drawn to. But this book is so much more. The setting is contemporary Upper West Side New York in the environs of Columbia University. The family members experience complex and sometimes contradictory emotions, which are honest and unsentimental. I found the author's writing of the family dynamics lovingly natural and unselfconscious. The time frame goes back and forth, but easily understood and serves character development well. Reading this compassionate, well-written and ultimately life
…more affirming novel was a pleasure. (less)The revolving doors of these families kept me engaged and eager to read the next part. A story of love, mistrust, abandonment, forgiveness, and care for one another. Poignant and bittersweet. I devoured this book in a few hours.
Beth B. (New Wilmington, PA)
Remniscences in Morningside Heights
Do not miss reading this novel! Its colorful cast of characters impart wisdom that is insightful and unforgettable. Issues span a wide range of topics from family interaction to education to illness and its effects on this family to caregivers and forever friends. The author, Joshua Henkin, addresses how we appear and disappear, fading in and out of vitality and purpose. It would be difficult to name a favorite character; all are rich in their own right. How rare to discover such texture and perspective in a novel! I look forward to reading it again immediately, this time making journal entries of favorite sections.
Gail K. (Saratoga Springs, NY)
Morningside Heights, a Love Story
Although it sounds like a cliché, Morningside Heights is a love story. It is the love story of a husband and a wife, parents and children, even caregivers and the person needing care. These relationships are at times difficult, tender, poignant and sometimes humorous. In spite of the fact that there is tragedy at the core of this novel, Henkin's handling of it is authentic without being maudlin. I finished this book with a sigh, knowing these characters will remain with me well beyond the last page. Now I look forward to reading Henkin's earlier work.
Techeditor
Author somehow keeps this from becoming a bore
Not many authors could have written MORNINGSIDE HEIGHTS as Joshua Henkin did. The story of Pru and Spence might have been a bore. But Henkin ensured, simply, that once you start this book, you'll want to finish. Although this story is not thrilling or suspenseful, it's a page turner just the same.
Part 1 of MORNINGSIDE HEIGHTS is what I think of as introduction. Granted, for an introduction, it's long. But, again, Henkin ensured that it doesn't seem overly so, that it isn't a bore. He introduces us to Pru and Spence, who is Pru's college professor and, not much later, her husband. Spence is probably a genius, and
…more the courses he teaches are so popular that students will camp out all night to be first in line to sign up for them.
In subsequent parts of MORNINGSIDE HEIGHTS, the reader sees Spence's downfall. When he is in his 50s, he is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. It began to creep up on him, Pru thinks, maybe as early as when he was still in his 40s. She deals with it alone at first, eventually hiring help when she can’t do it anymore. This gives her a little time for a life outside their apartment, especially for a job, but also including a short-lived affair.
Different parts of the book also concentrate on Sarah, Pru's and Spence's daughter, and Arlo, Spence's son from his first marriage. Arlo is also a genius and had a difficult relationship with his father. Although he later comes to his father’s rescue, there can be no relationship now, no mending it.
Somehow, Henkin makes MORNINGSIDE HEIGHTS a story you will want to read. This is the first of his books I have read, and now I’m anxious to read his earlier books. (less)Henkin created characters and a storyline that will follow you long after you turn the last page. This is not a flashy story. It is a story that seems filled wth real people who are dealing with the seemingly random unfairness of life as best they can. Morningside Heights delves into the complexities of relationships and shows how an illness of one family member impacts every family member. The characters are not tidy and neither are their lives; they are messy and at times they flail through the story. However, these characters are so well written that I wonder, when many years pass, and I am old , if while
…more remembering this story I will mistakenly believe that I knew them. (less)This novel about a marriage is both moving and compassionate. The hero of the story, Pru, is an amazing woman who is both adventurous and brave.
A fast paced start of the story is full of youthful hope for an exciting future but also holds hints of sadness to come.
In the plot the author has used time movement to show that in life prediction of the future is not possible.
The setting in a religious background as well as academia affects the reality of the novel and enhances the characters.
This is a tale to be read slowly to appreciate the full impact of the author’s words.
Betsy R. (Gig Harbor, WA)
Morningside Heights
This novel dealt with several contemporary issues interwoven in the story of Pru, a young Midwesterner in New York, and Spence, her famous older professor husband. Spence begins showing confusion and forgetfulness and is diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Another theme is woven around Arlo, Spences son from another mother. The book does explore issues of parenting, caretaking, guilt, and hope. I liked it.
