The Fundamentals of Play

Reading some of the reviews below, you'd think the book is principally about money and that the story is, essentially, nothing more than another retelling of the constant battle between old money vs. new, class vs. classlessness, privilege vs. ambition. Clearly, there are elements of this old story in this book, but I don't think that gets to the heart of what the author is meaning to explore. What George, the narrator, envies is not the money itself (which he does not have, but which Chat and Harry do), nor "stature" (which, by their shared pedigree, Chat and George both have, but which Harry does not), but rather the casual disaffectedness--the seemingly bestowed "right" not ever to have to know, or care, from where the privilege came nor whether it is being used properly or squandered--that can only exist in someone who has always had both wealth and stature. This is what Chat and Kate share and it is what draws both George and Harry to them.The book is remarkably well written and captures the set and setting--both at prep school and in New York--very well. Indeed it is the set and setting more than the underlying story which held my attention, and I found myself recognizing time and time again the world of my classmates and friends.I would not recommend this book to everyone. If you are not interested in the world and the mind of the New England "elite," you will likely not enjoy this book. But if you "got" the Great Gatsby, you will probably get this, too.

Okay...I'm not a product of east coast prep schools, country clubs, or sailing. However, I knew some of these types, in college and high school (midwest prep school). Perhaps, like Harry Lombardi, I find myself fascinated by a group that I've never been a part of. While I never had the desire to break into the group, I'm fascinated, like George, by their innerworkings. I make it a practice to read as many first novels as possible. I find their strength and beauty to be wonderful. The Fundamentals of Play is a triumph. Is the finest book I've ever read??...No, but is engrossing. The characters are well drawn...Chat? Chat Whethers is grand. The situations are great. This novel, set in the just pre-internet world of 1993/94 (or so I've guessed) tells the story of a fading way of life. Not only does Macy comment, through George (she writes men well) on the oddities of Whit Stillman's Metropolitan Kids (the recent touchstone of this set)...but puts her own spin on it. I won't even compare this to Gatsby...why? Macy tells her own story. Most of all, it captures the spirit of young people, fighting against the march of time, clinging to the past and its idols. It is about a univeral desire for acceptance and finding a place in the world. Kate...well her attraction is almost mystical...we all knew a Kate. While the sitatuions might be a million miles away to you, the feelings are something that reside in your heart. Cheers, Ms. Macy!

macy's portrayal of a generation & their moment in time doesn't miss a beat. it's full of delightful nuances that demonstrate just how perceptive she is. the fact that she chose a male protaganist and could wrote so convincingly in that voice is a real testament to her craft. in a world with very little sympathy for the nicks & kates out there, i must admit that i now look at them a little differently. thank you, caitlin.

Caitlin Macy has written a novel that captures a very small, very interesting clique in New York. It also captures the feeding frenzy of the early 90s and to this end deserves to be applauded. It is frustrating that so many readers have found the novel "elitist": the narrator is poor, after all, an outsider looking into this world rather than an insider looking out. I think Macy has also captured the mindset of the endangered and beleaguered male preppie better than any writer I can think of in the last decade or so. The book is charming, insightful and intelligent. One almost feels protective of it after finishing it. A shame it has to be offered for public consumption, as it will most likely be too subtle for some palates...

Fundamentals of Play is a fantastic book. It is the perefect combination of wit, play, engaging story and social commentary. Macy's insights about New York culture and her obvious kinship with the city, its architecture and atmosphere make this a true city novel in the best sense. Those who critique Macy for writing about the wealthy miss the point. The wealthy, or those apsiring to be so, are fit and fascinating subjects for novels, or so Austen, Fitzgerald, Fielding rightly demonstrated. The human condition is compelling no matter what someone's net worth.