When I heard about the rave reviews that Seating Arrangements received, I was intrigued. So when I was offered a copy to review, I went for it. I wanted to see firsthand what the hubbub was all about.
The protagonist in Seating Arrangements by Maggie Shipstead is middle aged Winn Van Meter. Winn's oldest (and pregnant) daughter will be married in just a few days. Winn has worked hard to be where he is. He attended Harvard, joined an elite club there, and built up his wealth. The entire wedding process seems to be a nuisance to Winn, but he performs his duties a host and father of the bride. Winn's steeled exterior begins to crack as the wedding day comes closer. He lusts after one of the bridesmaids. He can't relate to his youngest daughter. He doesn't understand why he hasn't been accepted into the island's country club.
The novel felt dragged for me. I was surprised to discover the protagonist was Winn. I kept waiting for things to happen. To progress the story along. So much of the first half of the book were Winn's internal thoughts and his past. Only when a drunken decision is made, did I feel compelled to finish the novel.
I just could not relate to Winn at all. Here is a rich white man whose biggest worry was if he would be admitted into yet another exclusive country club. He's pleased about his daughter's marriage because she's marrying into another affluent, well connected family. Love doesn't even come into his thoughts. He was cold and uncaring about his youngest daughter's past. Even blaming her and her mistakes for holding him back.
There was only one character I could relate with, and she was the outside in the entire crowd.
Looking back at other reviews, the book is billed as social satire. I completely missed that. I just didn't think it was funny at all. I'm going to say that it was me and not the book.
Have you read Seating Arrangements? What did you think?
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I received a copy of the book for review. This post contains affiliate links.
