The second Story of Einstein's Beach House is set in Manhattan. The protagonist, Josh, is a former lawyer who owns and operates a relatively successful restaurant. He is in a failing relationship with a neurotic woman suffering from more than a few traumatic events. The protagonist, while not wealthy, is successful enough to afford his pet's healthcare needs, including buying medication and expensive lights for his hedgehog.
To enjoy the story, a reader must suspend his disbelief multiple times. Adeline is clearly going through serious issues and does not seem to receive any necessary treatment for her sadness or more profound dissatisfaction. Nobody, even her boyfriend, encourages (much fewer asks) her to sort out her issues. Taking care of the hedgehog grows to become the only outlet for her frustration. Despite knowing it only drives them apart, Josh keeps indulging her obsession with Orion. Josh not only buys medicine without insurance but also spends his time and treasure soundproofing and darkening the house. He only snaps when Adeline accuses him of purposefully damaging Orion with the refrigerator light. The ending is foreshadowed several times but is still unbelievable. The sight of Josh having squeezed the hedgehog to death, with him and his girlfriend on a ledge together, is harrowing. Is this a metaphor for death or the struggle of rebirth?
Appel crafts excellent sentences. Some of my favorites included his description of Adeline's mother. The dialogue between Josh and Adeline is similarly robust and cutting. Some illustrations, including Josh's lament of firing the pretty waitress after being seen sharing some calamari with her, are excellently written. I'm deeply envious of Appel's ability to create evocative images.
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