Something Better by Diane Parrish
Diane Parrish’s rich, thought-provoking novel Something Better (Meridian Editions) is a testament to the tenacity of the human spirit and the enduring quest for, well, something better in life.
When Jack and Lydia Brady tragically die in a car accident during a fierce winter storm, their daughter Annabeth, a college freshman, suddenly inherits their suburban Connecticut home — a place she barely knew. While one might expect the story to center on Annabeth’s journey, the author takes an unusual turn instead focuses on the Bradys’ close friends, David and Ruth Crawford, and how the tragedy strains their relationship.
Annabeth, though not the protagonist, plays a pivotal part as David becomes obsessed with helping her. In a unique twist, Parrish sets the inciting incident before the book even begins, through a haunting prologue. With vivid imagery and deep emotional resonance, Something Better masterfully explores the ripples of loss and the unexpected ways it can break as well as bind people together.
Literary Exploration of Grief and Connection
David and Ruth’s tidy suburban life creates an illusion of perfection and stability. They are both involved in the community and have close family, with Ruth’s sister, husband, and daughter nearby. The contrast between their idealized life and the harsh reality of their inner turmoil adds depth to the narrative.
The suburbs often symbolize isolation, insularity, and the sameness of daily routine, which creates a protective bubble hiding the cracks underneath. The accident shatters their insular world, forcing them to confront emotions and challenges they had previously ignored.
When Ruth has a job opportunity, which takes her to the West Coast, it introduces a stark contrast to their suburban life. The geographical distance underscores the emotional distance developing between them, and Ruth becomes increasingly unavailable for David’s needs.
Captivating, Realistic Characters
Character development is an area where Parrish shines. Ruth and David are portrayed with remarkable realism. Ruth, a resilient and ambitious woman, faces significant personal and professional challenges. Her unexpected job opportunity on the West Coast forces her to reevaluate her priorities and her relationship with David, making her journey both relatable and inspiring.
David is a man struggling to cope with his grief. He’s suffering from a form of survivor’s guilt — though not involved in the crash, he found his friends and due to the conditions, was unable to save them.
His fixation on Annabeth, the daughter of his deceased friends, highlights his emotional instability. While troubling, it showcases his capacity for deep connections and loyalty.
Annabeth’s coping mechanisms following her parents’ death are complex. Her interactions with David provide them with a sense of shared grief and understanding, adding another layer to the novel.
Faith, Forgiveness and Fulfillment
The book explores forgiveness, faith, and the search for personal fulfillment, weaving them seamlessly into the fabric of the story. The novel questions what it means to stay true to one’s vows and whether seeking “something better” is worth the risk. Most poignant is the theme of forgiveness.
Ruth and David must navigate their own paths to redemption — Ruth, for her emotional detachment, and David, for his fixation on Annabeth. Their journey is fraught with challenges, but ultimately leads to personal growth and a deeper understanding of themselves and each other. From Ruth’s professional ambitions to David’s inner conflicts, which cause an eroding effect on their relationship, Parrish beautifully captures the fragility of faith and the strength it takes to rebuild it.
Something Better is a novel that invites readers to reflect on their own lives and relationships. The depth of the characters, the exploration of profound themes, and beautiful prose make it a compelling read. Diane Parrish has crafted a story that is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the complexities of human relationships and personal growth.
Read Diane Parrish’s new Lit Garden column on BookTrib
About Diane Parrish:
Diane Parrish is originally from the Midwest and now lives with her husband and their elderly Corgi in Connecticut, where they raised their two children. Her essays and short fiction have appeared in various literary journals and magazines. Something Better is her first novel.
(Photo Credit: Stefanie Cole)
