the story begins as a tale about an outwardly happy couple in suburban america in the 1950's .. both struggling with the realization that their ordinary life together is probably all they can aspire to. april wheeler gives a less than stellar performance at community theater, and consequently questions her talent as an actress. she is also frustrated with her mundane role as a housewife and mother of 2 young children. frank wheeler has a job that he finds dull and unmotivating. in order to combat this fear of "life passing them by", they decide to move to europe, where they hope a change in environment, better intellectual and cultural stimulation might help them lead more fulfilling lives.
as the story progresses, this seemingly perfect yet simple plan begins to crumble as does the facade of the couple's marriage. the story is ultimately about the simple truths that we hide from ourselves because they are too painful to face: we pretend to love when we detest; we pretend that society is boorish and inane, when in reality we masquerade unconfidence as finesse and brilliance; we pretend that unbridled enthusiasm can compensate for the lack of talent. these charades place an undue burden on the protagonists, and we begin to see them crack rather than shine under the harsh (yet realistic) light of the author's narration. they are delicately balancing unfulfilled dreams with the promise of better ones ahead.. though the lies they tell themselves and others daily, are beginning to make the truth more elusive than the counterfeit future they planned.
the book is an absolute must-read.. the story is as intense, as it is sensitive - as extraordinary, as it is humble.
