This modern-day memoir opens at a traditional Jewish burial but hidden behind the age-old rituals are lies and secrets that the non-Jewish widow has felt compelled to keep. The odd location of the grave, behind the used car lot, emphasizes the peculiarities in the situation as the seemingly unemotional widow pays mental tribute to the other women in her husband's life. The underlying story begins on an otherwise normal day in July 2004, when bankruptcy attorney Donna Lehl learns that her deaf husband's recent illness is stage four pancreatic cancer and their reasonably "happy marriage" includes her husband's Israeli lover. As soon as Donna and Matty learn about one another, they quickly form a bond and use it to examine and heal their feelings of loss and betrayal. Through e-mail they share stories about the man they each love, and in doing so, learn how they were conned by the once-charming man now battling for his life. As Donna struggles with her new role, she also cares for her dying husband and prepares for the next stage of her life without him. This is not a typical story of a woman scorned but a tale of tragedy, forgiveness, rebirth, and karmic resolution that is sure to satisfy the reader.
