# Separation Anxiety

By Laura Zigman

Profile: https://hahafiction.com/books/separation-anxiety-e8c7e199/

Judy Vogel and her husband Gary have separated, but living apart costs more than they can afford. Their teenage son is pulling away, and Judy’s career writing children’s books has stalled. Then she finds an unused baby sling in the basement and discovers how much better she feels with the family dog tucked against her chest.

## What makes it funny?

Judy tries on the sling and pictures Björk at the Oscars in her swan dress. It’s exactly the sort of thing she used to roll her eyes at when it was meant for a baby. Now she’s working out what to put in it, and the dog is within reach.

### The comedy at work

The family is trying to keep the household running through a separation. Zigman keeps adding people to the house when Judy and Gary already have more company than they can handle, including a troupe of adults who perform as puppets.

### Try this if…

Readers who like dry observations about marriage and parenthood will find a lot in Judy’s account of the house. Her habit of noticing how ridiculous she looks gives her something to say even when she’s feeling lonely.

### Good to know

Illness and anxiety sit close to the jokes. Judy’s best friend is dying, and Gary struggles with anxiety while the pair work out what separation means under one roof.

## What to expect

- Genre: Contemporary
- On the shelf: Family comedy
- Kind of humor: Dry wit
- The atmosphere: Warmhearted
- Audience: Adult
- Format: Novel
- Published: 2020

## A few distinguishing details

- Judy carries her sheltie in a baby sling
- Separated spouses take in adult puppet performers

## Sources & further reading

- Review: [Publishers Weekly](https://www.publishersweekly.com/9780062909077)
- Reading sample: [Novel excerpt at Literary Hub](https://lithub.com/separation-anxiety)
- Publisher: [Publisher listing via NetGalley](https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/book/175944)