In the sequel to Sandwich, Rocky, still anxious, nostalgic, and funny, is living in Western Massachusetts with her husband Nick and their daughter Willa, who's back home after college. Their son, Jamie, has taken a new job in New York, and Mort, Rocky’s widowed father, has moved in. It all couldn’t be more ridiculously normal . . . until Rocky finds herself obsessed with a local accident that only tangentially affects them—and with a medical condition that, she hopes, won’t affect them at all.
A novel that is filled with, and powered by, a winning blend of pathos and humor ... Newman tempers her bouts of darkness with frequent bursts of light in the form of Rocky’s dry or sparkling wit ... This steady strain of comedy is necessary as it animates passages that could otherwise have been dull ... A captivating protagonist ... [A] bittersweet gem of a book.
Just like Sandwich,Wreck is really about having some excellent hang time with these amiable people ... It’s a wise book, in addition to being a funny one.
So, much of the family is still sandwiched together, a perfect setup for Newman to show off her witty insights on, among other subjects, generational differences ... Many hilarious moments ... Rocky in Wreck continues to do what Newman is great at: capturing the messy domestic life of the organic peanut butter set. She presents their feelings and concerns with spiky insight ... What doesn’t shine brightly in Wreck is the setting ... An emotionally packed reminder that much of our lives is spent with spouse, kids and parents.
