Cathleen Schine's funny, breezy but emotionally resonant riff on Sense and Sensibility brings the sisters and their mother to Westport, Connecticut where romance, failed and the possible, ensues.  The Three Weissmanns of Westport works on many levels: it's a social satire of the age of divorce as well as a witty, gently searing look at growing older with all of its diminished possibilities. Accompanying the large dollop of denial, there is hope and wisdom.

Annie, the sober library director sister, and Miranda, the former literary agent agent whose company is facing bankruptcy after she believed one too many memoirists, join their mother Betty who is facing the end of her 48-year marriage in a small beach-side cottage.  All have seen better days and the three alternately enjoy and are mortified by their exile.  There is much to analyze here and of course the witty novel offers the opportunity to reread Sense and Sensibility.  As a plot device, witness the stunning work of two other sisters, Amber and Crystal ("They had taught her a delightful game involving Ping-Pong balls and plastic cups of beer," reported one wealthy patron) within the family drama. Savor the wit of Schine and Austen, and don't omit discussion of the hilarious side-trip to Palm Springs.