Madame Sosostris and the Festival for the Brokenhearted

Okri (Astonishing the Gods) draws on A Midsummer Night’s Dream for an enchanting story of a masked ball in present-day France. The idea for the party comes to Englishwoman Viv on the 20th anniversary of the day her first husband left her. She describes it to her friend Beatrice as “a festival for people who have had their hearts cracked,” and an opportunity for guests to “get over their heartbreak and start to love all over again.” Viv’s second husband, Alan, a member of the House of Lords, reluctantly helps organize the festivities, as do Beatrice and her second husband, Stephen. After famous fortune teller Madame Sosostris learns of the plan by reading Viv’s mind, she invites herself to tell the guests’ fortunes, and Viv happily accepts. When the date arrives, the couples assemble at the location, a “sacred” forest in the South of France recommended by Sosostris, and greet the first wave of revelers. A wrench is thrown in the works, however, when Madame Sosostris sends word that she’s unable to attend. Viv is beside herself as she and Beatrice scramble to find a replacement, leading to delightfully theatrical twists and a satisfying resolution for both women, who realize they haven’t been happy in their second marriages. Shakespeare lovers should flock to this. Agent: Georgina Capel, Georgina Capel Assoc. (Mar.)