September 2–9, 1999

critic pick

Lisa Zeidner

The heroine of Lisa Zeidner’s latest novel, Layover (Random House), does what all of us have wanted to do (or have done) at one time or another in our adult lives — run away. Claire Newbold, a 40-something medical equipment sales representative, has bolted, leaving behind a damaged marriage, disturbing memories of her dead child and the tedium of infertility. Her adventure begins with a carefree and mischievous air. She steals in and out of hotel rooms, not paying the tab. She seduces a teenager and befriends his mother. She lies to strangers and she swims in hotel pools. However, when faced with whether or not to return home, Claire’s fantasy foray underground becomes a transgression into incapacitating melancholy. During her final layover in Philadelphia’s Four Seasons hotel, Claire develops the strength to face her life again with a renewed sense of hope. An award-winning poet and author of three novels, Zeidner lives in Haddonfield, New Jersey, and teaches at Rutgers University.

For many, the passing of summer into fall marks the end of leisurely reading time. Sneak one more in before you retire the beach tag. This is a subtle and satisfying book to close out the season.

—Joy Malinowski

Lisa Zeidner will read on Wed., Sept. 8, at 7:30 p.m. at Barnes & Noble, 200 W. Rt. 70, Marlton, NJ, 609-596-7058.