In film producer Niederhoffer’s wan second novel (following A Taxonomy of Barnacles
), a love triangle takes center stage among an amorous group of nine Yale friends known to each other as “The Romantics.” As the group reunites for the marriage of Lila Hayes and Tom McDevon at a Maine estate six years after graduation, Niederhoffer omnisciently narrates the rivalry between wealthy blonde Lila and raven-haired Laura, her maid of honor and former roommate—“the Nick to Lila’s Gatsby.” Laura and Tom dated early on in college, and their continuing relationship haunts Tom and Lila’s over the ensuing years, which naturally causes friction. After the rehearsal dinner, the entire wedding party, minus Lila, embarks on a raucous evening of drinking and reminiscing. Neither the characters nor the story convince as Niederhoffer repeats thin stereotypes in a vain attempt to strengthen the plot: Laura the ethnic outsider; Tom the complex man yearning for an uncomplicated relationship; Lila the uncomplicated beauty with all of the necessary social accoutrements. The rest of the cast serves as background noise in this forgettable postcollegiate exercise. (July)
