Magdalena’s Comments (group member since Aug 22, 2011)

Magdalena’s comments from the Ask Mona Simpson! group.

I would like to ask you about the opening chapter of My Hollywood. The title 50/50 is so clear and provocative and I love that the book begins with a conversation between Claire and Paul that leads to a promise, a contract that will be broken.

A friend told me that she started to read My Hollywood and had to stop after the 50/50 chapter because it was threatening to her marriage. This person has several degrees from top institutions, as does her husband; they met in college. She made the money in the household for many many years, and they now have two small children. She continues to work and pull a large salary though not as large as her husband's; he works in business and travels constantly, often on a moment's notice.

This is a long-winded way of asking, could you say something about the 50/50 chapter, the contract made and broken? How does My Hollywood explore contracts we cannot keep? Is this something that the characters confront constantly, in your mind? Is this the nature of child-rearing in the 21st century? How much, if anything, does the failure of 50/50 have to do with two parents who pursue artistic careers, or is this incidental?

Thank you.