The Romantics
A Novel
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3.6 • 42 Ratings
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- $11.99
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
Galt Niederhoffer's The Romantics nimbly follows the shifting allegiances among an unforgettable set of characters, with a powerful, bittersweet romance at its heart, now a major motion picture starring Katie Holmes, Josh Duhamel, and Anna Paquin.
Laura and Lila were college roommates--one brooding and Jewish, the other the epitome of golden WASP-dom. Now it's ten years later, a day before Lila's wedding to Laura's former boyfriend, and as the guests arrive, Laura finds herself the only one not coupled up. Struggling with the traditionally thankless role of maid of honor, Laura realizes for the first time why she can't stop thinking about her long, tangled relationship with the groom. And it appears that he is not entirely ready for the altar himself.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In film producer Niederhoffer's wan second novel (following A Taxonomy of Barnacles), a love triangle takes center stage among an amorous group of nine Yale friends known to each other as "The Romantics." As the group reunites for the marriage of Lila Hayes and Tom McDevon at a Maine estate six years after graduation, Niederhoffer omnisciently narrates the rivalry between wealthy blonde Lila and raven-haired Laura, her maid of honor and former roommate "the Nick to Lila's Gatsby." Laura and Tom dated early on in college, and their continuing relationship haunts Tom and Lila's over the ensuing years, which naturally causes friction. After the rehearsal dinner, the entire wedding party, minus Lila, embarks on a raucous evening of drinking and reminiscing. Neither the characters nor the story convince as Niederhoffer repeats thin stereotypes in a vain attempt to strengthen the plot: Laura the ethnic outsider; Tom the complex man yearning for an uncomplicated relationship; Lila the uncomplicated beauty with all of the necessary social accoutrements. The rest of the cast serves as background noise in this forgettable postcollegiate exercise.
Customer Reviews
The Romantics...really?
I have a headache...the ending fell FLAT after the built up anticipation. I guess I have to use my imagination on this one.
Horrible ending
Can not believe I read all of it for that ending!
Not a fan
I knew the ending, but still read it. A waste of my time.