Compassionate understanding and humor illuminate this understated yet dazzling work (Publishers Weekly)-a compelling parable in which two sisters find, among the neglected virtues of the past, a sustenance to carry them into the future. A fine, unnerving little hermeneutic of love (Village Voice).
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Good-hearted Walter is convinced that all women, like his mother and sister, sacrifice their hopes and desires for the men in their lives. An aging bachelor, Walter is still looking for that perfectly pure woman whom he can rescue from the inevitable corruption of men. He thinks he's found her. Many years his junior, Louise is sweet, and more important, innocent. All is bliss in their young marriage, as they live equally and happily in their North Carolina farmhouse. But when Louise's past resurfaces in the form of a sleazy, manipulative ex-boyfriend, will Walter's faith in his new wife...

Richard's married to Caroline, but how long can he endure her constant chatter? When cool, calm Cynthia tempts Richard with sex, money, and peace and quiet, crazy Caroline goes on the warpath.

Rootie Kazootie was a children's television show in the early 1950s. The show was broadcast live from New York City on Saturday mornings. Rootie also appeared in comic books and Little Golden Books during that period. In this novel, the title refers to a character who shares Rootie's personality.