I picked up Sandwich expecting a breezy story about a coastal mansion with sweeping ocean views and lots of “rich people problems.” Kinda like Pineapple Street on the New England Coast. Maybe there’d be an heiress who’d fallen in love with caterer she’s forbidden to marry, or something along those lines.
Umm, NO. Sandwich is the exact opposite of everything I expected. In the best possible way.
IT IS SO FREAKIN’ GOOD!!!!!!
What’s Sandwich about?
Sandwich is about a happy jumble of regular people crammed into a small house that’s kinda-sorta near the ocean. Rocky’s our main character, and she’s staying at her beloved Cape Cod beach house with her husband, their two adult kids, her son’s girlfriend, and her aging parents.
The beach house is really more of a cottage. There’s only one bathroom, and its toilet is alarmingly iffy. There aren’t enough bedrooms, so people sleep on pull-out couches and inflatable beds.
I know, I know. All those family members (and only one semi-working toilet) together under one roof? Sounds like a recipe for disaster.
But it’s not. Sandwich is wonderful mix of memories, nostalgia, and present day moments that take place at Rocky’s beach house. I gobbled up this sweet, emotional, and hilarious novel, and I’ve been recommending it to people ever since.
What I loved about Sandwich
The best thing about Sandwich is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Author Catherine Newman is a great writer, and so many of her scenes and dialogue had me snorting with laughter. Especially when it came to Rocky, who’s going through menopause and feeling all the things that come with it. We’re talking hot flashes, crazy hormonal mood swings, the works. Rocky’s seething with anger one minute and annoyingly affectionate the next – toward the same person (often her long-suffering saint of a husband).
I don’t think I’ve ever seen (peri)menopause portrayed so accurately – and humorously – before. Newman deserves a Pulitzer for capturing all the insanity that comes with this scourge placed upon middle-aged women. I get you, Rocky. I want to hug you. And be friends with you.
Rocky’s family in Sandwich
The comfortable, cozy, and albeit unfamiliar dynamic between all of Rocky’s family members blew me away. Family who actually enjoys spending time together?? Is this a sci-fi novel?!?!
Newman makes you feel like you’re observing an actual family vacation. Well, mostly. Maybe if your family were the nicest and most woke family on earth.
Rocky’s people are shockingly self-aware. And they’re all very free and easy with sex talk, nudity, procreation, and other such topics that make the repressed Catholic school girl in me recoil in horror.
A part of me loves the casual, comfy rapport between the parents and (adult) children. It would be awesome if more families were that chill about shit. On the other hand, it’s really quite jarring if you didn’t grow up being that conversationally friendly with your family.
Even if your family isn’t as evolved as Rocky’s, you’ll still feel a kindhship with them. Their emotions, interactions, activities, and conversations are all so real and relatable.
There are some Big Things that happen over the course of Sandwich, but there are lots of little things, too, that make the novel a delightful read. Little moments like making sandwiches together before going to the beach, or pitching in to cook a summer evening meal. We all have those sweet, simple, nostalgic family memories, even if they’re few and far between. Sandwich makes you want to walk down your own memory lane and relive them.
Should you read Sandwich?
While Sandwich is a great read for anyone, I think it’s going to hit differently – and best – with women “of a certain age.” Because they are Rocky, in so many ways, and Rocky is them. While general readers can appreciate the humor and candor in this book, it’s that select group of 40-50 year old women who will feel most seen and understood. Plus, yay for another book featuring a later-in-life heroine!
Special shout out to Chicken the Cat and everyone he interacts with in Sandwich. Newman is clearly a cat owner, and I loved how Rocky’s family members “talk” for Chicken to each other. It’s exactly how (good and decent) cat owners treat their beloved kitties. I loved seeing so much of my own cat mom-isms reflected in this book.
I also read the sequel, Wreck
Sandwich was such a hit that Newman penned a follow-up novel called Wreck. It takes place two years later, and Rocky’s still anxious, still menopausal, and still hilarious. Once again, her family is the central theme, but it’s set in Western Massachusetts instead of Cape Cod.
There’s a more serious plotline and slightly morbid undertone to Wreck. This story still contains the same signature levity of Sandwich, but I didn’t love it nearly as much as the first book. Admittedly, much of that is due to Rocky’s daughter in Wreck. She’s so freakin’ needy, and it really annoyed the shit outta me. Wreck is still absolutely worth the read, though, if you loved Sandwich.
What’s the book-inspired recipe?
Check back in for my book-inspired recipe: Lemon Butter Lobster Rolls.
