The Good Life

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James Frey reviews Jay McInerney's work, noting the lasting impact of "Bright Lights, Big City," released in 1984. Despite its significance, many have forgotten McInerney's subsequent works. His career has seen both highs and lows, paralleling F. Scott Fitzgerald's trajectory, marked by early success and personal struggles. While Fitzgerald produced a masterpiece in "The Great Gatsby," McInerney's journey through life's ups and downs may prove equally compelling. His latest book, "The Good Life," is described as his best since "Bright Lights." It follows two Manhattan couples around the time of September 11th: Luke and Sasha, wealthy socialites, and Russell and Corrine, a literary editor and his wife. Both couples are disillusioned, grappling with love and family dynamics. Luke, a banker seeking fulfillment, faces infidelity, while Corrine feels neglected. Their paths converge at a soup kitchen near Ground Zero, where they find love and hope amidst tragedy. McInerney's narrative is a poignant exploration of marriage, loss, and the search for meaning, reflecting his own experiences. Unlike Fitzgerald, who faced a tragic end, McInerney's resilience shines through, offering a glimpse of what a sustained literary career can yield.