35 Comments

I love your writing style! I liked the parallels you draw multiple times and the introspective nature of this slice of memoir. I'm writing one myself too - the story of my own divorce and how I found myself after it, so this resonated lots. 😉

Expand full comment

I’m so glad you are writing your story. ❤️xN

Expand full comment

Wonderful piece, thank you Natalie. Brought back memories of an earlier marriage.

Expand full comment

Thank you for reading! Wishing you well. xN

Expand full comment

Thrilled to see Laurie Colwin titles! I read eight of her books back in the day and found her, Alice Adams, and Anita Brookner very inspiring.

Expand full comment

It's nice to think about those books from our past! Thanks for reading. xN

Expand full comment

Years ago, a writer I admired compared my stories to Colwin’s; I’ve not read her, but now I will. Dancing on Tisha B’av has long been a favorite story collection—thank you for it.

Expand full comment

What a nice comment you received! Yes, do read Collin!

Expand full comment

I’m not sure it’s apt, but it was my introduction to Colvin’s name—I look forward to reading her books & yours! All best, e

Expand full comment

My Second Collection, Secret Anniversaries of the Heart, includes some of the best stories from DOTB and many newer ones. It spans 25 years of publishing short fiction.

Expand full comment

I’ll get it!

Expand full comment

Yes, exactly this: But that fear seemed more surmountable than the loneliness of the present.

Also, this is a great line: When we were dating, my then husband-to-be told corny dad jokes, gave thoughtful gifts, paid our rent, and dealt cocaine.

Expand full comment

Thanks for reading! Fear vs loneliness! Both are powerful motivators. ❤️

Expand full comment

This is fabulous, Natalie. You evoke the 80s so well.

Expand full comment

Thank you for reading and for letting me know! xN

Expand full comment

Lovely piece. So full of details that I'll never know (as a 26 year old man) and yet universal enough that I immediately understand. It's like a mirror for me to see a new side of myself. About to spend some time reading more from you – thank you for writing this!

Expand full comment

Wow! This note made my day. Thank you for reading and for taking the time to let me know. Just the boost I needed today. xN

Expand full comment

Your writing is so evocative and crisp! I really enjoyed this.

Expand full comment

Thanks for reading! xN

Expand full comment

Wow. Exquisite. I long to read the book.

Expand full comment

Thanks so much! I long to finish the book! xN

Expand full comment

May it be soon; this is dazzling.

Expand full comment

Beautiful writing! 💕

Expand full comment

Thank you. xN

Expand full comment

Fantastic. People are messy, yet we expect so much of them.

Expand full comment

Normalize messy! Thanks for reading. xN

Expand full comment

Magnificent.

Expand full comment

Thank you! And thanks for reading. xN

Expand full comment

I love !

Expand full comment

Lovely work. Love the sombre tone and the humor at once. Let me know if you ever want to be in my intimate writer's group on Sundays at noon Eastern.

Expand full comment

Thanks so much for reading and for letting me know your thoughts. xN

Expand full comment

The comfort of the I. Magnin ladies, the sky turning from pale blue to determined blue, yanking up the hood to work on the car--such great progression. The skiing, the anger, the willingness to look in the mirror. Really enjoyed this, Natalie.

Expand full comment

Thank you.

Expand full comment

Wonderfully nuanced.

Expand full comment

Thank you! And thanks for reading. xN

Expand full comment