In her new novel, “Dear Money,’’ McPhee tenders a funny, generous piece of social commentary, populated by a cast of characters who are amusingly, painfully human.
The story begins at a cottage in Maine where India and Theodor meet up with Will and his wife, Emma. Soon Win, a friend of Will and Emma, flies in on his biplane, finds himself charmed by India, and propositions her: “Give me eighteen months and I’ll turn you into a trader.’’ The proposition feels like a seduction after all; money is sexy and India feels as if taking the job would be akin to cheating on her husband. Still, Win keeps after her.
So, through about half the book, India contemplates leaving a life she loves to become a “Mistress of the Universe’’ — a nod to the bond-trading “Master of the Universe’’ in Tom Wolfe’s “Bonfire of the Vanities,’’ which McPhee has said she read as part of her research on the lives of traders. India and her husband struggle to pay for the New York City life India wants. But they’re drowning in bills for private school for two children, nannies, and maids, and there’s the cost of theater tickets and fashionable clothes, too. Their savings accounts are dwindling, and India’s been juggling credit cards to pay off other credit cards.
Moving out of the city would solve Theodor and India’s money problems, but leaving is not an option for India, who’s very much at home in New York and will not be forced out. She’s hoping Theodor’s latest commission and the sales of her new novel will keep the family afloat. But there’s no such luck for this couple who’ve been married 13 years and who live on the 13th floor, even though it’s called the 14th.
