Something Borrowed CL: Avail in Pa

In less sophisticated hands, this story of irresistible passion might have made a trite romance novel. But since Marshall is skilled in detecting the nuances of human relationships, it is a thoughtful, ruefully witty depiction of the pulls and perils of midlife erotic crisis. Their son's marriage brings Gale and Gary back to Boston 15 years after Gary's infidelity propelled their acrimonious divorce. Each has remarried: Gale to an older, staid Philadelphia heart surgeon; architect Gary (for the third time) to a sexy, somewhat vulgar Tucson realtor. When passion again rises during the wedding festivities, neither can resist. The two tumble into bed--and marital crises. Both are forced to acknowledge past mistakes, and to relive their anger and remorse, as well as poignant memories of happier times. Though there is some suspense regarding just how much havoc Gale and Gary will create in their families' lives, the outcome is rarely in doubt, given Marshall's careful development of her protagonists' personalities. The interest lies more in her examination of the fault lines in marital and parental relationships, the minute (and often resented) adjustments of marriage, the demands of raising children and the guilt that can pervade that relationship. Marshall handles this well, and she adds contemporary nuances to the wedding itself: the groom is Protestant, the bride Jewish, the best man African American, etc. She is equally adept at evoking Boston's landmarks and atmosphere. But eventually the local color seems to act more as padding than necessary background, and even the illicit sex fails to give the narrative momentum. While illuminated by Marshall's sharp and honest eye, this work lacks the magic pull and buoyancy of her previous novels, Gus in Bronze and Tender Offer. (June) FYI: Marshall lives in Boston with her husband, National Book Award winner James Carroll.