Bright, Precious Days : A novel

Corrine and Russell Calloway live in Manhattan in a too-small apartment in Soho. Like the author’s real life, they have twins. That is a footnote since neither parent has much involvement with the children. It is hard to know why they are even characters in this novel.

Corrine is beautiful and was drawn to have an affair in the aftermath of 9/11. Now her lover has returned to Manhattan and needs her in his life. Her husband, Russell, is too good to be true. However, he is oblivious to anything other than fine dining and wine.

McInerney was considered a wunderkind with the publication of his Bright Lights, Big City, which told the tale of a young man caught up in cocaine-fueled times. These novels are more for Manhattan insiders, those who recognize the restaurants and sections of town as meaning more than just locale.

In this novel, the author also tries to get into his heroine’s head with puzzling results as Corrine muses on menopause and thankfully being over her period but losing her femininity. Strange musings, indeed. If you are a fan of this author or live in Manhattan, you may certainly enjoy this novel.