Fabulous essay of a truly remarkable novelist. I have two quotes from Impossible Things on the front page of my recent 'books to read' notebook. Catherine has a way of getting under one's skin - I instantly recognized the clever hole in the wall that connects spaces in her home, the wall of pears. I've been toying with patching up some jeans with fabric and the Japanese stitching method for durability. Or do I just buy a pair of the buttery soft Everlane jeans from Poshmark that you recently recommended? I find it helpful to delineate between the relentless care-tasks of primary-care parenting and the heart-centric gesture of mothering. It's a way I can cherish that role but rage against the exploitation of patriarchy for being on the front lines all.the.time. I am a Rad Wife: nothing has radicalized me like being a non-earning full-time caregiver and home CEO. Feminist studies was just a tasting menu compared to the 843 course meal of my current job when it comes to outrage.
Lovely essay, thank you. My library hold copy of Sandwich arrived today! I can’t wait to dig into this little world. Also I think many of your readers would love Catherine’s Substack, Crone Sandwich.
I loved this essay. This is how Catherine Newman's writing always makes me feel! Waiting for Birdy was the only "parenting" book I read before my second child was born and it evokes so many similar feelings. My kids are 6 and 8 and I'm also having pre-nostalgia....I know these are the "magic years" (along with helpings of frustration etc) and I know I will miss them!
Fabulous essay of a truly remarkable novelist. I have two quotes from Impossible Things on the front page of my recent 'books to read' notebook. Catherine has a way of getting under one's skin - I instantly recognized the clever hole in the wall that connects spaces in her home, the wall of pears. I've been toying with patching up some jeans with fabric and the Japanese stitching method for durability. Or do I just buy a pair of the buttery soft Everlane jeans from Poshmark that you recently recommended? I find it helpful to delineate between the relentless care-tasks of primary-care parenting and the heart-centric gesture of mothering. It's a way I can cherish that role but rage against the exploitation of patriarchy for being on the front lines all.the.time. I am a Rad Wife: nothing has radicalized me like being a non-earning full-time caregiver and home CEO. Feminist studies was just a tasting menu compared to the 843 course meal of my current job when it comes to outrage.
Lovely essay, thank you. My library hold copy of Sandwich arrived today! I can’t wait to dig into this little world. Also I think many of your readers would love Catherine’s Substack, Crone Sandwich.
I loved this essay. This is how Catherine Newman's writing always makes me feel! Waiting for Birdy was the only "parenting" book I read before my second child was born and it evokes so many similar feelings. My kids are 6 and 8 and I'm also having pre-nostalgia....I know these are the "magic years" (along with helpings of frustration etc) and I know I will miss them!
What a gorgeous review. The beach scenes you chose to share - whew - those will stick with me. Ordered a copy for myself and one to send to a friend.
thank you lizzie! and YES - it's so so good.