The Not Wives

Moore’s intriguing debut novel (after the collection 16 Pills) takes place in New York City in 2011 against the cultural and political backdrop of Occupy Wall Street. Stevie is a writing teacher at NYU, co-parenting her lively daughter, Sasha, with her friendly soon-to-be ex, Aaron, and figuring out her romantic and sexual relationships postseparation. Over two days, her life changes dramatically—she witnesses a young girl jumping to her death, and she is informed that the “Professor in Residence” program, which allowed her and Sasha to live in a faculty apartment in the dorms, is being canceled. Meanwhile, Stevie’s best friend Mel has just opened up her relationship with her long-term girlfriend and is drawn to a male chef at the bar where she works. A chance encounter in Washington Square Park leads Stevie and Mel to meet a teenager named Johanna, who is living in the park with her older boyfriend after running away from an abusive home. Their lives intersect again and become intertwined when Stevie realizes Johanna was also a witness to the falling girl. As the Occupy movement gains momentum, Stevie, Mel, and Johanna critically examine their lives and choices in hopes of creating a world for themselves and their loved ones. Though longer than it needs to be, Moore’s novel is nonetheless ambitious and immersive. [em](Sept.) [/em]