Portrait By Venera Alexandrova
There is a book that lives on my nightstand called Me Talk Pretty by the American humorist David Sedaris. I don’t bother to put it back on the shelf because something will remind me of one of the stories, and I will reach for it again and again.
Recently I reread a story in which Sedaris explains how he asks obscure and often silly questions to strangers while traveling because he finds they tend to start fascinating conversations. This reminded me of what has recently become my favorite question to ask people around New Canaan: “Have you heard about James Frey’s new book?”
The replies have been varied and passionate. Frey and his books seem to evoke strong reactions in people. Some locals were excited that his novel, Next to Heaven, was set in New Canaan (or “New Bethlehem” as Frey calls it in the book). Others were skeptical about a book with dark themes and “swingers parties” being set in their hometown. Either way, once advance copies hit Elm Street Books in early June, it quickly became the talk of the town, with everyone wanting to know: Is it fact or fiction?
Frey addressed the rumors in a recent coversation with the actress Gina Gershon at the New Canaan Library. He assured the standing-room-only crowd that it is fiction, not based on real people or events. He also said that it is his job as a writer to “hold up a mirror and tell a story about what I see.”
Regardless of how you feel about Frey or his portrayal of the town in the book, Next to Heaven is certainly a fun read for anyone familiar with New Canaan. Locals will recognize the parks, landmarks, restaurants and streets—even with slightly altered names (i.e. Elm Street becomes Maple, etc).
In our feature story about the author (page 48), you’ll also learn all the reasons he loves living here—from the schools and the sports to the generosity of the community. In his conversation with Gershon, he praised the beauty of the town, its cherished local independant bookstores, the incredible library and more.
Now that the book is out, I look forward to asking: Did you read it? Did you like it? Doesn’t this character remind you of so-and-so? And, of course, do these kinds of parties actually exist?!
While you wait for your local bookstore to restock , I hope you enjoy diving into all the other great content this issue has to offer. Discover the incredible spots our readers voted in as Best of the Gold Coast (page 56) and the best of New Canaan, Darien and Rowayton (page 82). We also profile numerous other talented residents—including an artist (page 13), a baker (page 28) and a sailboat maker (page 20).
So grab your beach chair and settle in—you have plenty of reading ahead!
EILEEN MURPHY
