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So Long At The Fair
By Christina Schwartz
Completed September 9, 2008

Christina Schwartz’s latest book, So Long At The Fair, was a story about adultery and distrust in relationships. At the center, it’s the story of Jon and Ginny, high school sweethearts who have been married for many years, and Jon’s affair with his co-worker, Freddi. But Schwartz added many layers to this already-told tale – layers that often left me scratching my head but still piqued my interest.

While learning about Jon, Ginny and Freddi (and their marriage or relationship), the reader also read flashbacks from 1963, which involved Jon and Ginny’s parents. There were also flashbacks about Freddi’s childhood and college years. Minor characters tended to play major roles as the story unfolded. But one must wait until the last chapters to see how it all connected.

Told over the course of one day, Schwartz does a good job captivating the reader regarding Jon’s decision: to leave his wife or dump Freddi. Plus, the prospect of Jon and Freddi getting caught added a level of suspense. Where the story broke down for me were the many confusing story lines, especially the 1963 flashbacks. I had a hard time keeping track of characters’ names and what part they played in this story. It wrapped up in the end, but I wonder why these sub-stories made their way into So Long At The Fair.

Schwartz is a fabulous writer, and her ability to draw in a reader is commendable. Despite the multiple storylines, I still plowed ahead with So Long At The Fair because I had to know how it ended. What did Jon decide? Did he get caught? What was going on in 1963? Overall, I would recommend this book to readers who want a quick but provocative read – or to those who like to watch train wrecks unfold on the page. ( )

Popularity: 25% [?]

Categories: 07/2008, Contemporary fiction, Jill, So Long at the Fair
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