Crossing Washington Square
Joanne Rendell
September 2009
336 pages
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Dear FTC: I bought this book, but Kathy won her copy, so you can go harass her. 
I’m so mean…Kathy points out I forgot the FTC statement, and this is the thanks she gets!
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There were parts of this book that I really liked and parts that made me cringe. Overall, it was a very enjoyable book, and I loved the literary references, as well as most of the story. But some of the behavior of the characters made me cringe (particularly the drunken pursuit of a man). There’s also a school trip to London, which had me all excited, because I love London. Unfortunately, the issues of the characters end up overshadowing the city, and London doesn’t get much of a chance to show itself.
So what’s it about? Well, this is the story of two female English professors who teach at the prestigious Manhattan University. The women are bitter rivals, for a variety of reasons. Diana Monroe is the elder of the two, more established in her career and highly respected. Diana is aloof and intimidates Rachel Grey, who is the new professor on the block. Rachel embraces popular literature, making her a bit of an outcast among most of the staff. Unfortunately, and unbeknown to Rachel, she also reminds Diana of the woman her husband left her for. Toss a few men and a rebellious student into the mix, and their rivalry heats up. Of course, by the end of the book the two women have resolved their differences and everyone lives happily ever after, which is really no surprise.
At times, the behavior of these two women is quite juvenile. However, they are also capable of some great literary debate. I particularly enjoyed the emphasis on popular literature and its importance and significance, and how it can be used in the study of the “classics.” I think Rachel’s ideas and her passionate defense of popular literature is what saves this book and makes it worth reading.
Uh-oh, I hope the FTC doesn’t see this post! I won this book, so I’m glad to see it’s enjoyable.
As usual, your FTC disclaimer made me laugh!!
This has been steadily moving to the top of my TBR pile, and I’m excited to read it. As a lit professor who uses graphic novels, I’m interested to see how the argument of canon v. contemporary pans out.
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Sounds sort of interesting, sort of not….
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I love when books talk about books and writing — and even better that part of the story takes place in London! Still, bummer about the juvenile antics… that would turn me off, for sure.
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I have heard good things about the book and I am always up for a book set in two of my favorite cities – London and NY!
Sorry it wasn’t a slam dunk for you.
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Could definitely get onboard with the literary bits. And that might be enough to make me overlook any other shortcomings. I’m kind of easy that way.
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Humm. I’m thinking . . . not for me.
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Oh I just foundyour review of this novel – I enjoyed it. I may have gone in biased because I really enjoy Joanne Rendell’s column on Huffington Post and met her at a book event she participated in and I’m a sucker for British accents. And I have to admit that I may have pursued a man once or twice while slightly intoxicated – though not to Rachel’s level!
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