June 20

Henry Himself (2019)

By Stewart O'Nan

Henry, age 75, spends much time reflecting on his life.  He was raised in Pittsburgh, went to school at Pitt and (apart from his experience in France during WW2 - a time he sometimes looks back on with both painful and tender memories) has always lived in Pittsburgh.  He is a husband to Emily, a father to son Kenny and daughter Margaret (a recovering drug addict), and a grandfather to Kenny's and Margaret's kids.  Henry is a retired engineer, spending much of his puttering in his workshop or walking his dog.  As a retiree, his life takes on certain routines.  During the course of a year Henry takes his wife out for Valentine's day dinner, welcomes the family for holidays like Easter and Thanksgiving.  He is active in his local Episcopal church and always looks forward to spending summer at the family cabin at Chattaqua.  But, at age 75, there is always a sense of living on the edge, that life is fragile.  He knows his own limitations - both physical and emotional.  He sees his wife's shortcomings, but knows he sees her, just as she needs him.  While this sweet story is very much about the little things in life, it is somewhat reassuring, and Henry is a pretty likeable character.  Good writing.