Epilogue, non-fiction book by Anne Roiphe

If you enjoyed Anne Roiphe’s Epilogue, you’ll be charmed by Susan Slater’s  0 to 60, a fictional version of defining yourself after the loss of a partner and reentering the world of dating later in life. It further explores issues raised in Epilogue.

In 0 to 60 Slater’s Shelly Sinclair learns of her husband’s infidelity when he announces his proposal of marriage to his 24 year old receptionist. And, oh yes, she’s the mother of his 4 year old daughter. That the announcement comes hours before they were to celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary and Ed’s retirement, makes it all that more shocking. Alone at sixty. Cast aside for someone so very much younger—how could Shelly pick up the pieces?

Yet pick them up she does. Juggling the needs of her aging parents, her two sons and fighting off the overbearing control of a now former husband who can’t stand to see her flourish, Shelly triumphs. But not before enduring a few hard knocks along the way.

Reentering the dating game equates to navigating a minefield. No one had warned her that men hadn’t changed. Those errant sixteen year olds had only gotten older. Sex still seemed to drive the best of them and commitment remained the cue to run. So, did she need a man? No. Did she want one? Maybe.

In a satisfying, but surprise ending, Shelly’s life comes together and a stronger, more competent woman learns that sixty can be a beginning with promise and fulfillment. It’s just a matter of finding out who you are and what you truly want—time makes no difference other than to paint decisions with the richer patina of experience. If you like Epilogue you owe it to yourself to give this book a read.

Looking for a book similar to Epilogue? Get your copy of 0 to 60 today!