Back in the
days of college, they were close friends. Now, a couple of years later, they are
all supposed to have a great career and reunite for Caroline’s wedding. Kezia, believed
to be a jewelry designer but actually just the assistant of an unbearable boss
with a minor understanding of the trade. Nathaniel who was up to a literary
career, has turned to Hollywood, but actually does not find anybody to produce
his shows. And Victor, computer guy who was just fired from a third class
search engine. They all pretend to be something they aren’t, but as things
become messed up, reality can no longer be hidden and they turn out to be what
they actually are.
The story
is told from alternating points of view of the three protagonists. It is
interesting to see how, for quite some time, they manage to beguile themselves with
careers they do not have and lives they do not lead. Step by step, they have to
accept reality and come to terms with their actual situation. Sometimes
depressing, sometimes outspokenly funny, the author created a very realistic
picture of the generation which hoped for so much and only got a small piece of
the cake.
What I
especially liked was the subplot of Guy de Maupassant’s story. This was
cleverly interwoven with the story and added some literary substance.
