Literary Duets
There have been interesting parallels between some of the books I’ve read recently. Life Abroad Lost and Found in Spain: Tales of an Ambassador’s Wife by Susan Lewis Solomont is brimming with American self-confidence. She is convinced of the relevance and value of their years in Spain and it sounds idyllic: staff to pave the way, banquets and travel, opportunities to use her own professional expertise. There are even opportunities to share American cuisine – hot dogs are the highlight of one July 4 celebration. Jay Martin has a very different story to tell of her years as an Australian diplomat’s wife in Poland. Vodka and Apple Juice: Travels of an Undiplomatic Wife in Poland is on the one hand a travelogue outlining her voyages around the country and her struggles to learn the language. On the other hand, it’s the story of a marriage unravelling as her husband is dragged down by the workload and Martin fails to find a satisfactory outlet for her own professional expe...