Book Review: The Clasp, by Sloane Crosley

I am probably a little too old to still relate to stories of reconnecting with high school or college friends after trying to find oneself independently. Or maybe we are never too old for those tales of first loves, unrequited loves and friendships based on envy and jealous and competition.The Clasp by Sloane Crosley is just such a tale: we are introduced friends from college reunited for a wedding only to wonder why they are still friends, to exaggerate their current successes and to long for the low pressure days from college. While the theme is a familiar one, the device Crosley uses is unique: woven throughout and around the story of these old friends is a short story titled "The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant in which a broken necklace clasp leads to changed lives. Not coincidentally a broken necklace clasp leads these college friends to reunite again quickly after the wedding. An adventure through France, honest conversations and rekindled friendships make this book emotional, funny and honest.Hat tip to The Skimm for the recommendation.