Rocky gets the family together for one last summer week in Cape Cod in the cottage they have rented since forever. This includes her steady husband, her mouthy high school senior daughter, her older son and his girlfriend. Her hormones are acting up and she alternates between tender feelings for her kids (who are no longer children) and inexplicable rage at her husband for not showing his emotions. But she has enough feelings for two, especially since in the past, she had tried and failed to have more children. When they are joined by Rocky's parents for their requisite two night visit, things get more complicated as the cottage has less room. Decisions are made, illnesses are revealed, and secrets unfold as their week ticks by and Rocky learns a few lessons on how to cope.
The title "Sandwich" has many meanings-of course it is a beach town in Cape Cod, but also the family is sandwiched together in their cottage. Rocky is a member of the sandwich generation, taking care of her parents and children, and she actually delights in making sandwiches for the family. Newman certainly gets the Cape Cod flavor right, throwing in such references as the Cape Cod Rail Trail and beach roses which can be foraged. But it is not merely a formulaic summer beach read, it is a hard lesson in letting go.
Reviewed by Donna Ballard
Publication date - June 18, 2024
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