View source for The Three Weissmanns of Westport by Cathleen Schine

{{infobox1
|title=The Three Weissmanns of Westport
|sort= Three Weissmanns of Westport
|author=Cathleen Schine
|reviewer=Katie Pullen
|genre=General Fiction
|summary=Jane Austen's ''Sense and Sensibility'' gets a reworking as Betty Weissmann and her two grown up daughters Miranda and Annie move to Westport, Connecticut after Betty's husband decides to leave her after 48 years of marriage.  A simple yet very readable tale of grief, heartbreak and romance.
|rating=3.5
|buy=Yes
|borrow=Yes
|pages=328
|publisher=Corsair
|date=October 2010
|isbn=978-1849015714
|cover=1849015716
|aznuk=1849015716
|aznus=0374299048
}}

The novel begins with Joseph Weissmann, or Josie as he is known, deciding at the age of 78 that he no longer wants to be married to Betty after 48 years together.  In an attempt to save Betty's feelings he cites irreconcilable differences, but the truth is he has fallen head over heels in love.  Betty is devastated, her life in tatters, with even the beautiful Central Park apartment she adores soon lost to her. 

Coming to Betty's rescue is Cousin Lou, who offers her a run down cottage in Westport, Connecticut.  Betty is keen to accept and the move is made almost enjoyable when her two grown up daughters, Miranda and Annie decide to accompany her, and so the three Weissmanns of Westport are born. 

As the women settle into their new coastal life and the parties at Cousin Lou's, romance comes a calling for Miranda and Annie, while Betty occupies herself with soap operas, telling others she is now a widow, as things seem easier this way.  With each woman already disappointed by love, will any of them learn to love again? 

I've been an ardent fan of Jane Austen's for many years so it was with eagerness that I sat down to read this reworking of ''Sense and Sensibility'' and in the main, I was not disappointed.  Schine effortlessly reworks the basics of Austen's story, setting it in modern Connecticut, with Miranda and Annie as the Dashwood sisters Marianne and Elinor, although in this novel they are considerably older and more experienced in life.  The Dashwoods' hard times, so key to Austen's book, are also easily echoed as Betty has no money of her own despite her 48-year marriage.  I was surprised that Miranda and Annie were not more self-sufficient in these modern times, but both are plagued by financial constraints too and so the three are left somewhat impoverished. 

In essence, there is a certain lack of plot to this novel, nothing very exciting or groundbreaking happens and movement is slow for the first half, but for me, this was no bad thing and I actually found it quite refreshing.  Instead, Schine uses her characters to move the story forwards, which lends an air of unpredictability, and her confidence as a writer shines through as she reveals some quirky twists on Austen's tale.  As a result, Schine's writing and use of language stand out with its elegance and subtlety and diverts us with the highly amusing scenes involving Cousin Lou's family and colourful friends.  These scenes are a gentle nod towards the eccentric characters in Austen's book and certainly gave me cause for a wry smile, as Schine has a very dry sense of humour and her observations of human nature are spot on.  In particular, watch out for Mr Shpuntov. 

All in all this is a gentle and undemanding read, a perfect tonic for anyone wanting a bit of escapism, or a book to simply relax with, that also delivers on wit, romance, and how we all deal with love and heartbreak in our own unique ways. 

I'd like to thank the publisher for sending a copy to The Bookbag. 

Further Reading Suggestion: If you like the sound of this book, you may also enjoy [[Lovers and Newcomers by Rosie Thomas]].  We think you'll also enjoy [[Fin and Lady by Cathleen Schine]].

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