The Rehearsal

Steinbeck would give his seal of approval to this delightful novel that uses his Of Mice and Men. It's tense, at times, and often very funny. I also loved all of the Shakespeare/theater references. Extremely well-written.

I found this second book by Sarah Willis to be a good read, in large part because of its original approach. Willis puts the rehearsal for "Of Mice and Men" center stage; we learn about the troubled family members as they walk into scene, work backstage or look on as spectator. As if we were looking through a kaleidoscope, we see the characters develop, discontinue, or renew relationships with each other in subtle shifts; the novel benefits from this multi-layered texture. Willis also demonstrates her skill as an author by maintaining a deliberate pace throughout these shifts. Certainly the stakes become more and more intense, and as a reader, you can't help but think ahead to the final scene, but in this book the conclusion is not one you can predict.From the start, it is apparent to the reader how Will's role as director eclipses his role as husband and father. How much he has ignored his family becomes starkly evident in the climax of the book, but as the cast rehearses there are plenty of other surprises along the way. My only criticism would be in regard to the character of Beth, the bratty teenage daughter. In an otherwise rich ensemble of characters, this painfully screechy character is the only discordant note. I realize her character functions as a catalyst, but I would have preferred it if she had been less hysterical. I was a sixteen year old girl once; we're not that bad!

The find of the year! Engrossing and poignant. I love the way each character gets a say--or a "role"--in the action. Willis does a great job of representing each viewpoint. The characters "live" their roles in the play Of Mice and Men, and they play out their lives on life's stage. Willis writes so well, and so wisely. Highly recommended for lovers of the theater...AND of good novels.

Sarah Willis' "The Rehearsal" had great expectations to live up to. Not only did this book capture the magic her first novel "Some Things That Stay" had, but it exceeded my expectations. The Rehearsal is about Will, the director of a Pittsburgh theatre company. He has heard rumors that they might not ask the company to return after this season since it is the early 70's and broadway and New York actors are all the rage. Determined to save his company he invites the cast of his latest play "Of Mice And Men" to his summer home where he and his family go each summer. The idea is to live the play. To sleep like the ranch hands in the play who sleep in barns, the point is to do everything in character. Will and his wife, Myra and their two children live along side these actors for a month. The story is about all of these lives that become entwined and how things change, why they change and sometimes why they stay the same. Sarah Willis has the most beautiful prose, both of her books have quickly become favorites of mine. Her words flow on the page like poetry, with the most incredible metaphors and ways of looking and describing things. I would not hesitate to recommend either book to anyone, they do not disappoint.