So Near

by Liza Gyllenhaal

From the author of Local Knowledge comes a poignant novel about a young couple's road back from tragedy. In the aftermath of a devastating loss, Cal and Jenny Horigan's marriage is unraveling. Both are plagued by guilt, unable to seek comfort from one another. Burdened by remorse, they begin to lose sight of the love that once anchored them-together with their sense of right and wrong. As the Horigans try different ways to deal with their pain, a new acquaintance seems to offer the support they desperately need-though at times they are unsure whether his guidance is leading them back to each other or further apart...

Genres: Fiction

311 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2011

About the author

I'm the author of 'A Place for Us,' 'So Near,' 'Local Knowledge' and the just-published 'Bleeding Heart' all from New American Library. My novels are set in the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts and explore questions of family, marriage, and small town America.

I'm delighted that two of my earlier romance novels 'Changes of Heart' and 'Heart and Soul' have been made available for the first time as e-books from Diversion Books.

I hope you'll follow my blog here on Good Reads and visit my website at http:www.lizagyllenhaal.com where you can get updates on my upcoming events. I look forward to joining the conversations!

Reviews

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was a case worker (in child welfare), I transported children in my car all the time. I will never forget the first time I had to put a car seat in my car and the absurdity I found in that I was expected to figure it out on my own. I had no children for which I'd have been given experience. And I remember the looks on the other girls' faces as they scoffed at my unknowing. Ironic that in a child welfare agency I was tasked with doing, on my own, what new mothers are encouraged to learn from safety classes at the local fire stations. One of the girls did resign to helping me. Anyway, (I know you're wondering what this has to do with So Near), this situation is one I couldn't help but think of several times through the course of this story....

Jenny and Cal are parents to two-year-old Betsy and life is pretty good. Cal and his brother, Kurt, own a construction company, Horigan Builders, that (though it wasn't specified, I believe) works hand-in-hand with their father's business, Horigan Lumber and Hardware. Business isn't doing quite as well due to the downed economy, but the Horigan's have a lot of support. Then one day, driving home after a Horigan's vs. Horigan's baseball game, Cal's jeep overturns and Betsy is thrown from the car and is killed. Jenny and Cal's marriage, then, is ultimately affected as they each grieve in their own ways; but they also each have a secret, one in which they each take the blame and feel an overwhelming guilt, as they each believe they are the cause of their child's death.

So Near is told in first person but alternates between Jenny and Cal's points of views. This format worked well for this story because it gives the reader an all-knowing perspective that is necessary to one of the underlying concepts. So Near is about how a marriage can fall apart based on simple miscommunications. In seeing both Jenny's and Cal's points of view (often the same situation from both sides), we can literally see the mistakes being made. It's akin to being a marriage counselor working with a couple and seeing the big picture that the couple can't. It had me crying out for them because despite the magnitude of the tragedy they were enduring, the potential demise of their marriage was truly based on such simple concepts. And much of the source of their miscommunication was the guilt they each felt about the accident for which neither wanted to admit to the other.

So they each handle their grief separately. However, while Jenny does by focusing on her gardening, Cal does so by taking on Gannon Baby Products, the manufacturer of the car seat Betsy had been in. He hopes that a lawsuit against them will maybe prevent any future accidents, if not make them pay for being what could be the cause of Betsy's death. I loved how Gyllenhaal was able to portray the emotions Jenny and Cal went through. While not everyone has experienced this specific situation, emotions are universal. I loved the following quote because it demonstrates the need people have to externalize their difficult feelings. Here is when Cal is first talking with the lawyer who will help him file the suit:

"I slumped back in my chair. My heart was racing. Yes! I thought. It was as though Lester had been able to put shape and meaning to the anger and confusion that I'd been living with these past three months." (p. 116)

In the meantime, Jenny imagines she sees Betsy everywhere but explains how this is not the strangeness in her life but, rather, the other way around:

"It wasn't the first time I imagined I saw Betsy. Though it's more sensing her presence than actually seeing her. These visitations never feel scary or crazy to me. For the brief seconds that I know she's there -- reaching out for me -- everything actually feels right again. Normal. It's the rest of my life that seems so out of kilter. It's as though I exist in a constant state of vertigo." (p. 127)

And one more of Jenny describing the totality of the grief she has felt in her life:

"Sometimes, oddly, I find myself confusing my memories of Betsy -- or more my sense of loss and longing -- with those that I have of my mother. As if all tears trickle down into a single pool eventually -- and all great sadness becomes one. " (p. 132)

Because of their grief and inability to communicate with each other, and also because of the secret guilt they each feel, Jenny and Cal make some bad decisions. Their decisions saddened me, and I know some readers will not like that part. I did wonder if parts of the ending and Jenny's and Cal's reactions to their behaviors were a little too pat, but I could see that part being justified as well.

After writing most of this review, I realize I didn't get much into the car seat issue, after all. But that is also integral to the story. Was or was not the car seat at fault for Betsy's death? I think in some ways this becomes the focus for Cal because, as alluded to in the earlier quote, we often need something to define a situation or make a tragedy purposeful.

Although So Near was a book about a tragedy and the enduring grief related to it, (as well as actually some other family dynamics which I didn't mention here), for me the overarching message was about the marriage and how easily miscommunication can spiral. You'll probably have moments, like I did, of wanting to shout, "Just tell him/her what you're thinking and everything will be okay!" And hopefully everyone can take something away from that for their own marriages and relationships.

Taken from my blog at www.takemeawayreading.com

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly?

This is an extremely sad and touching story. A family... including their extended family members... are learning how to deal with this incredibly heartbreaking event.

I like when the story unfolds as told from individual family members and this is what this book does beautifully.

Each family member suffers from his/ her own self doubts and dysfunction. Lots of questionable decisions are made by the two key characters, Jenny and Cal.

Personally...for me... I have to feel empathy and a connection to the characters in the book I am reading. I liked the book while not liking the characters...especially Jenny and Cal...

A tragedy occurs...does this mean all involved parties have to each have an affair in order to forget or feel better?

Does having an affair make you want to be with your partner again?

Again...I am sure it is just me...my own personal thoughts about this...but the individuals that Jenny and Cal had their affairs with were not even that likable...

Again...just me.

This is a thoughtful book with a ton of things happening in it.

Just not one I really loved.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was so very sad, but a good story. I liked the alternating between Jenny’s and Cal’s point of views. They lost their young daughter in a vehicle accident, and both blamed themselves, although they didn’t discuss anything together, and then both made some bad decisions. It was a long road back to each other.

[Karla Haller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this so fast and loved it even though it was such a sad story...

[Viviane Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

One minute, a father is worry about his father’s business turning sour in a changing economy. Then the same father is enjoying a baseball game, having a few beers, and thinking how great life is, while his wife is preparing for a large barbecue party. Half an hour later, their lives are turned upside down with a terrible, terrible loss, and the horrific future seems to be an impossible reality to get through. Everyone tries to ensure that there is no guilt to be carried but each parent believes he or she is to blame for this nightmare they are now living second by second, minute by minute…

How does one cope with the most devastating death one would not want to imagine? Cal’s brother says a lawsuit is the answer, yet Cal suspects his brother Edwin’s motives are questionable. They are and the further shock that eventually is disclosed is expected because of certain moments when the reader is expecting something financially crushing is about to happen, so aptly does the author foreshadow each phase of this world-shaking event.

Little by little, Cal and Jenny Horigan mourn in different ways and learn not to speak in order not to expose blame or self-recrimination. It reaches a point where each turns elsewhere for desperate communication. Before the Horigan marriage totally sinks into a hole beyond redemption, a stranger comes into their world in a way that could put the finishing touches on a doomed relationship or perhaps provide something else of a more miraculous nature.

So Near is a heart-rending, honest, pragmatic, searing look at love that is called to endure far more than any person should ever have to bear but a love that is so deep that a spark remains to be kindled by a series of miraculous mistakes and interactions. Read it and weep! Read it and celebrate the gift of life! Tender, compelling novel, Liza Gyllenhaal – you so obviously know of what you write!!!

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished 9/2/11 review to comeFirst thoughts: "This was a bit heart-wrenching."

So Near broaches a topic that many of us wish not to ever read about let alone experience...the loss of a child. I felt that the author did a great job of showing each parent's side and their emotional roller-coaster that they were riding. I've heard it said many times that the death of a child can tear even the most devoted couple apart and the Horigan's marriage was certainly not exempt from the unbelievable stress. Cal and Jenny each were allowed to tell their story from the first person POV and at first I was a bit annoyed with this style. But gradually it just fell into a rhythm and I felt that I actually got to know them a little bit better because of it. The author delves into the aftermath of a tragic event and makes you think about how each person grieves and tries to deal with one of life's most earth-shattering events.

Recommend? Yes, I would tell friends about this book. I thought it was a solid read and could even make a great book selection for book clubs.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liza Gyllenhaal's follow-up to Local Knowledge once again explores the deep roots of small town life. Coping with the aftermath of an accident in which their young daughter was killed, Cal and Jenny struggle to make sense of their loss amidst the private guilt each of them bear. Told in shifting points of view, it is a keenly observed portrait of the unraveling of a marriage, raw and packed with emotional depth. The characters are believable and finely drawn and will stick with you long after the last page has been turned. Liza Gyllenhaal has firmly established herself as a masterful storyteller, offering up the irresistible combination of beautiful, lyrical writing and unique psychological insight.

[Phyllis Azar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, I am impressed with the power of Liza Gyllenhaal’s storytelling. So Near, the author’s follow-up novel to Local Knowledge, is a deeply moving story of a loving, young married couple struggling with the devastating consequences of their actions – or non-actions depending on who’s doing the telling. With an alternating point-of-view structure, the details are revealed as the couple volley between self-doubt, blame, and brazen conviction. Excellent characterization, crisp emotional perception, interesting premise (you’ll learn just enough about product liability), and a satisfying conclusion that answers most questions: for me, that’s a winning combination. Once again, I look forward to Gyllenhaal’s next book. Thanks for reading.

[morninglightmama · Rating 3 out of 5]

No one wants to imagine what it would feel like to lose one's child. Worse yet, to lose a child in an accident that could possibly include factors of your own fault, factors that can never be proved or dismissed. What would that do to a parent's life? A couple's marriage? This novel explores this terribly painful premise, told in chapters of alternating perspective between Cal and Jenny, the parents who have suffered this great loss, and readers follow along with the toll this loss takes on their individual psyches, as well as on their relationship. Written in a simple and straightforward tone, the reading is quick, but emotional.

[LuAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

After an accident that changed their lives forever, Cal and Jenny Horigan must find a way to rebuild their marriage before it’s too late. Will the mysterious stranger be the answer to their grief and anger … or will he drive even more of a wedge between them?
I really enjoyed this tender and sad story of the emotional devastation following an event that would send even the strongest of souls reeling. You really must take the time to read this wonderful book, but be sure to keep a box of tissues nearby.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent story of loss and how it can unravel everything solid in our lives. It is about a couple who experience the most unimaginable loss ever; the loss of a young child. Blaming themselves, they are unable to seek solace from one another, turning instead to new paths and allies.
I like the way the author tells the story in the first person by each of the main characters. It allows the reader to get inside their minds and understand their behavior.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author.

[Mae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story details the dissolving of a relationship under the incredible strain of an accident that results in the death of their only child. Interesting read - hard topic.....developed in an "back and forth" chapters between the two parents - not a book that will stay with you but well worth the discount deal I got:)

[Bverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my sister-in-law's new book that's coming out on Sept. 6 -- she gave me a sneak preview (don't tell anyone!) -- and so I got to read the galley proofs. This is a terrific book club choice -- it's full of compelling characters who struggle with grief, loss and what it means to love.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good story about cal and jenny. There was an accident and they loose sight of what is really important. I really enjoyed this book and liked how each chapter was devoted to either cal or Jenny.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written, you will follow the ups and downs of the characters, feeling their emotions every step of the way. It's a powerful story, connecting the loss of a child with the difficulties of keeping a marriage together. It's honest, open, and a riveting read.

[Eileen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was better than ok, good enough, but I wasn't swept away. I was motivated to finish, however, and that says something in my current reading mode! I won't be seeking more works by this author.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 - 4 stars.

A little repetative storyline at points, but I found myself wanting to pick it up and read, which is a good sign!

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. The characters were so real and sympathetic. My heart went out them. Such a sad but great story.

[Marisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read but depressing subject.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet story about dealing with death. Heartfelt, sad, but moving.

[HarryGordon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Abandoned the book. I didn't like the characters. People I don't like are not allowed in my life.

[Stephanie Martin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh. Pretty predictable. Just ok.