Meg Fratano embodies the modern stereotype: a 48-year-old, over-educated woman married to Bob, juggling a university career and motherhood to two children. Shaun, the silent adolescent who has already left the nest, and Katie, the 17-year-old daughter treated more like a confidante than a dependent, complete Meg’s seemingly predictable picture. Her mother, denied higher education herself, instilled in Meg the dream of college, career, and a life unbound – a stark contrast to her own constrained existence. Auntie Marcia, her mother’s sister, echoed this sentiment, painting vivid tales of worldly adventures and fostering high hopes for Meg, seeing her as the daughter she never had. Yet, despite these aspirations, Meg finds herself living a life dedicated to everyone but herself.
One ordinary Thursday, while working remotely, Meg returns home to retrieve files from the basement. An unexpected sound from upstairs initially triggers alarm – a possible intruder. However, the rhythmic nature of the noise soon reveals a different kind of intrusion. Ascending to her bedroom, Meg silently witnesses a scene that shatters her carefully constructed reality: her husband in the throes of passion with a woman later identified only as Miss Geranium, thanks to her distinct nail polish. Finally breaking free from her stunned paralysis, Meg retreats as quietly as she arrived, seeking solace and counsel with her close friend, Elizabeth, whom she considers her “goddess friend.”
This pivotal moment propels Meg, often called Meggie by those close to her, into a transformative journey of self-discovery. The ensuing divorce is surprisingly amicable, devoid of bitter disputes over assets or finances. Her bond with her daughter Katie deepens, Katie remaining remarkably unfazed by her parents’ separation. Meg forges new connections with women like Jane, whom she encounters in a local bar. Jane, navigating her own divorce and, in a twist of fate, also having had a past liaison with Bob, becomes a close friend. Meg, embracing her newfound wisdom, navigates this revelation with surprising grace. She embarks on therapy with Dr. C, a therapist who resonates deeply with Meg. Dr. C, a single mother and former waitress who radically changed her life by pursuing a Ph.D., may also have a past connection to Elizabeth, adding another layer of intrigue to Meg’s burgeoning support network.
Conversations between Meg and her mother frequently revolve around the late Auntie Marcia and her captivating stories of trips to Mexico. Marcia’s legacy includes not only cherished jewelry, a ring and bracelet bequeathed to Meg, but also a designated travel fund meant for a Mexican adventure, albeit envisioned for a younger Meg. Before long, Meg, Elizabeth, and Jane find themselves in Mexico, embarking on a jeep journey with Linda, a striking woman who embodies the bohemian spirit prevalent among many women in this narrative. Their quest: to find the mythical “dancing doggies” from one of Auntie Marcia’s beloved tales.
Throughout their Mexican escapade, martinis, margaritas, and herbal teas flow freely. The women embrace spontaneous and liberating acts that defy societal expectations for middle-aged women: skinny dipping under the stars, creating flower petal circles for contemplative repose, and, significantly, dancing naked. Deep, introspective dialogues punctuated by “why nots” and “what ifs” become their norm. A cottage in Mexico, inherited from Marcia, offers a sanctuary, and the possibility of a new romantic interest subtly emerges. Purple skirts, silver bracelets, and unconventional Reverse Bridal Showers become symbols of their newfound freedom and sisterhood. By the novel’s conclusion, every narrative thread is neatly resolved, painting a picture of a mid-life crisis navigated with grace and a touch of audacious joy. It’s the kind of mid-life awakening many might secretly desire. Indeed, Wow, Meg. Wow.
