By Nightfall- Michael Cunningham

I liked Michael Cunningham after reading and watching The Hours. But By Nightfall was perhaps a little disappointing. Peter Harris was a middle-aged art dealer married to Rebecca. The story opened with the news that Rebecca's wayward younger brother, Mitzy (which stood for "the mistake", not his real name) was coming to stay with them. Mitzy was a recovering drug addict who was brilliant but was jobless and clueless about what he wanted to do in life. Mitzy came to stay and on an afternoon Peter returned early from work and found Mitzy asleep on the couch. He observed Mitzy and found him strangely like a young Rebecca- the one who was carefree and a little crazy. He thought Mitzy was beautiful. Peter then retreated to his bedroom and later, found out that Mitzy was still using drugs. He then made a promise to Mitzy not to tell Rebecca as his clan of sisters would throw a fit if they knew.  

Peter then brought Mitzy to a client's place as Mitzy had expressed interest in being on the art scene. Peter and Mitzy kissed. Peter had never thought himself as a homosexual and yet he found himself strangely attracted to Mitzy. Peter was torn and confused. He wanted to be with Mitzy but was unsure of what to do next. The next day, however, Mitzy suddenly left without a word. Peter was heartbroken. With Rebecca, Peter felt that they were "happy enough" but was "happy enough" sufficient to sustain a long marriage? 

Mitzy returned one day and asked to see Peter. Peter was excited and yet troubled. He knew that if Mizzy asked him to run off with him, he would say yes without a doubt. He worried however, what would happen to Rebecca and his estranged daughter Bea. When he finally met Mizzy at a Starbucks, he thought Mizzy was really declaring his love for him when he asked if Peter had told Rebecca. Peter went into a tirade of how he couldn't possibly tell Rebecca because he didn't know if he truly loved Mizzy but that he knew he was in "something" with him. Mizzy then said he was referring to the drug thing. It was then that Peter realized Mizzy was using the kiss as a blackmail against Peter. He was crestfallen. 

When Peter got home, Rebecca told him she wanted a separation. Peter thought she knew even though no one had said anything. But the reason she wanted a separation wasn't because of Mizzy but that she felt like a stranger in her own home and that she was all messed up. But Peter decided then that they should just continue going and try to make things work. Rebecca agreed.

Can't say the story was completely unbecoming. It has its beautiful sides  especially when it came to the display of emotions and inner struggles of the protagonist. One can empathize with Peter. But I think it falls a bit short of John Irving's writing especially when I'd read this right after cider house rules. 

Completed 27 July 2015