So Long at the Fair: A Novel

The main story in So Long at the Fair takes place over the course of one Saturday in the lives of Jon and Ginny, a married couple who had been high school sweethearts. Their relationship has stagnated and Jon is having an affair with a co-worker, which has progressed to the point where Jon must make his choice between the two women. Jon begins his day hoping to re-ignite his passion for Ginny during a day-long road trip to a nearby county fair, but ends up stomping off in anger to spend the day with his paramour (Freddi) instead, when he finds out that Ginny wants to re-schedule their outing because of previous business commitments.

In addition to the main story, we have the flashback story of Jon’s parents (Clark and Hattie) and Ginny’s parents (Bud and Marie) in 1963 as Clark and Marie try to force Bud into a confrontation with the local playboy (Walt) who refuses to admit that he raped Hattie.

Through the course of this single Saturday, both Ginny and Jon reminisce about their high school days and the accident that injured Ginny and brought the two of them together. Meanwhile a second co-worker of Jon’s (whose wife previously cheated on him) conveniently sets the stage for Ginny to discover Jon’s affair with Freddi. And if that isn’t enough going on already, an old boyfriend of Freddi’s is stalking her (and now Jon) in a deluded attempt to win her back.

Obviously there is a lot going on in this book and sometimes I found it necessary to go back and re-read a chapter or two to make sure I had the story and the relationships straight. Each story ends with a subtle twist and a sense of openness that makes it seem more like the beginning of a story which is yet to come. (read less)