Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson

Sasha, much to her dismay, has left her clean, shiny, new apartment to move into her husband’s family’s 3-story brownstone in the historic “fruit” section of Brooklyn. Mind you, she appreciates the generosity of her husband’s extraordinarily wealthy parents for letting them move in there, but when she was told to make it her own, there were a bit too many caveats. She could not change the dark, long curtains that hung in the huge windows, because, well, they’d been made especially for those huge windows and what would you possibly find to fit those? And you couldn’t think about replacing the shabby old couch, even though it had given her a rash when she’d sat on it – because, well, you know it came directly from the governor’s mansion. Nor could her sister-in-law’s entire bedroom be cleared of the junk in there, because, well, she had no idea why. It drove Sasha completely mad. In fact, the way the family clung to their traditions, and to each other, if she were entirely honest with herself, sort of drove her a bit mad. But she did love her husband, Cord. And wasn’t it worth it just to be with him? Or was it?

Apparently, this is this author’s first novel, and I have to say, I can’t wait for her next! I enjoyed this novel from the very first page until the end of the acknowledgements. Her writing is crisp, clever, witty and had me giggling along as often as I was empathizing with her utterly delightful characters. We hear the story not only from Sasha, an artist from a middle class upbringing from a suburb of Providence, RI (center of the universe!), but from her sisters-in-law, Darley and Georgiana, who are the ultimate in NY upper crust, and so privileged they are completely oblivious to how privileged they are; that is, until it hits them smack in their clear-skinned, tanned and tennis-playing faces.

I also hold a special place in my heart for the Rhode Island humor hidden deep in these pages. References to the quahog and its appropriate pronunciation, the use of the word “bubbler” (anyone know what that is???), and teaching their kid to speak Rhode Island – I was sold way before that, but that clinched the deal. It was pure poetry to my Rhode Island-born ears. While you might not guess I am from there from my accent, I still carry a very treasured place in my heart for that tiny state that is not, in fact, an island.

This novel addresses class difference and social justice with a sense of humor, a light touch, and a kindness that might be a bit generous, but it is also done in a way that is digestible. I for one loved it and, as I said, cannot wait to see what is next from this very promising author. Because of the pure fun I had reading this one, I’m giving it a MUST READ!