Crossing California summary

Exploring the Lives of Three Families

In Crossing California by Adam Langer, we are introduced to three families living in Chicago's West Rogers Park neighborhood. This novel unfolds during the late 1970s and early 1980s, a time marked by social and political upheaval. The story begins with the Mandelbaum family, whose members are struggling to adapt to their changing lives. The family's patriarch, Ira, is a failed writer turned insurance agent, and his wife, Judith, is a disillusioned homemaker. Their son, Stuart, is a teenager grappling with his Jewish identity.

Meanwhile, the Wassermans, another family in the neighborhood, are trying to cope with the death of their son, Danny. The grief-stricken Wassermans and the Mandelbaums are connected through their children, Stuart and Jorie Wasserman, who are close friends. The third family, the Gershenzons, are recent immigrants from the Soviet Union. They are struggling to adapt to their new life in America, and their daughter, Lana, becomes a close friend to Stuart and Jorie.

Intersecting Lives and Growing Up

As the story progresses, we witness the intersecting lives of these three families. Stuart and Jorie navigate their way through their teenage years, grappling with first love, friendship, and their Jewish identities. While Stuart is infatuated with Jorie, she, in turn, is drawn to the enigmatic Lana. The three teenagers, though from different backgrounds, share a sense of alienation and a desire to escape their circumstances.

Meanwhile, the adults in their lives are dealing with their own set of problems. Ira Mandelbaum, who is secretly having an affair, is struggling with his career and the realization that his dreams of becoming a famous writer are long gone. Judith, his wife, is increasingly disillusioned with her marriage and her unfulfilling life. The Wassermans, still reeling from Danny's death, are trying to come to terms with their loss.

Historical and Cultural Context

While the personal lives of the characters take center stage, the narrative is set against the backdrop of significant historical events. The Iran hostage crisis, the election of Ronald Reagan, and the deaths of John Lennon and John Belushi are some of the events that shape the characters' lives and the world around them. These external events mirror the characters' internal struggles, adding depth and significance to their personal stories.

Furthermore, the novel delves into the complexities of Jewish identity and the immigrant experience. The characters' Jewish heritage is an essential part of their identity, influencing their relationships, values, and perspectives. The Gershenzons' immigrant experience provides a unique lens through which to explore the American Dream, cultural assimilation, and the complexities of leaving one's homeland for a new life.

The End of Innocence

As the story nears its conclusion, the characters' lives are irrevocably changed. Stuart, Jorie, and Lana, once innocent teenagers, are forced to confront the harsh realities of adulthood. The Mandelbaums' marriage reaches a breaking point, the Wassermans begin to heal from their loss, and the Gershenzons continue to navigate the challenges of their new life in America.

In Crossing California, Adam Langer skillfully weaves together the personal and historical, offering a poignant and insightful portrayal of a time and place. The novel leaves us with a bittersweet understanding that growing up often means leaving behind the innocence of youth, and the people we once were.