Commonwealth

The acclaimed author, a winner of the PEN/Faulkner Award and the Orange Prize, weaves an enthralling narrative about an unexpected romantic encounter that irrevocably alters two families’ lives. On a Sunday afternoon in Southern California, Bert Cousins crashes Franny Keating’s christening party and kisses her mother, Beverly, igniting the unraveling of their marriages and the merging of their families. Spanning five decades, the story delves into how this chance meeting impacts the four parents and six children involved. The Keating and Cousins children, spending summers in Virginia, develop a strong bond rooted in their shared disillusionment with their parents and the genuine affection that blossoms among them. As Franny embarks on an affair with the renowned author Leon Posen in her twenties, she shares her family’s story, which becomes the foundation of his bestselling book. This exposure forces the siblings to confront their past, including their losses and guilt, while navigating their deep loyalty to one another. With a blend of humor and heartbreak, the narrative reflects on inspiration, interpretation, and the ownership of stories, ultimately presenting a tender exploration of the enduring ties of love and responsibility that connect us all.