Books like The scenic route by Binnie Kirshenbaum

After a painful divorce and sudden unemployment, Sylvia Landsman flees to Italy in search of a fresh start. There she encounters Henry, a mid‑aged, married expatriate who invites her on a grand European tour funded by his wife’s money. Their travels take them through a circle of countries, each stop offering Sylvia a chance to entertain Henry with tales of her quirky family, her strained friendships, and odd anecdotes—about dead ducks and Alma Mahler alike. As Sylvia recounts these memories, she confronts her own regrets and a hidden shame stemming from a small sin of omission. When the opportunity arises for Sylvia and Henry to undertake a brave, small act together, the haunting refrain of “if only” resurfaces, urging her to consider what might have been. Through humor and heartfelt reflection, the novel explores themes of friendship, self‑actualization, and the complicated realities of love lived and lost.

First publish date: 2009