That Old Cape Magic by Richard Russo (47)

Richard Russo is a great author. When reading his books, the reader easily becomes immersed in the story. I especially enjoyed Empire Falls and Bridge of Sighs. That Old Cape Magic is also a very good read, but I didn't experience the same journey as the previously mentioned Russo books. Probably the reason is that the main character is a more troubled soul and more difficult to read than previous Russo books.
Griffin is a man having had a disfunctional childhood with self centered vain parents, now experiencing major trouble in his own marriage and his life in general. When making important decisions, he is constantly recalling the voices of his mother and father, mocking him and cutting him down as unworthy and incompetent. It is painful to see a man in such circumstances.