The Marriage of Sticks

The Marriage of Sticks

Jonathan Carroll

#3438 of 8,085 books · #651 in Fantasy

Shortlisted for the British Fantasy Award for Best Novel (August Derleth Award) (2000) and the Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel (2000).

Miranda Romanac is a successful dealer of rare books in New York City who leads a somewhat detached and self-centered life, prioritizing her own needs and desires over meaningful connections with others. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters Hugh Oakley, an older man with whom she begins a relationship. Hugh is both enigmatic and fascinating, and their relationship is intense and fulfilling in a way she has never experienced. As the story progresses, Miranda's life becomes increasingly surreal. She begins to experience strange and unsettling visions, as well as encounters with ghostly figures from her past. These supernatural elements appear to be manifestations of her unresolved guilt and emotional wounds she has inflicted on others throughout her life. One of these encounters is with a woman who claims to be her future self, warning her about the consequences of her choices. The novel's title, The Marriage of Sticks, refers to a metaphorical ceremony that represents the union of the past and present, the merging of one's actions and their consequences. As Miranda delves deeper into her own psyche, she is forced to confront the mistakes she has made, particularly in her relationships with others. The novel explores themes of regret, redemption, and the possibility of change.