Trouble

Josie, a New York psychotherapist facing marital troubles, and Raquel, a Los Angeles rock star dealing with scandal, reunite in Mexico City to escape their problems. The two forty-something friends navigate their midlife crises while exploring the vibrant streets, restaurants, and cultural scenes of Mexico's capital. The narrative follows their attempts to find temporary refuge from their respective situations, even as their past lives and responsibilities continue to shadow them. Their time in Mexico brings encounters with local characters, exposure to traditional customs, and opportunities for both connection and self-reflection. Through its exploration of friendship, desire, and reinvention, Trouble examines how women navigate identity and freedom in middle age. The novel considers questions of escape versus responsibility, and the complex intersection of personal crisis with cultural expectations.

Readers note this novel feels raw and honest in portraying female sexuality and complex relationships after 40. The protagonist's voice comes across as authentic, with readers connecting to her flaws and inner struggles. Readers liked: - Sharp, witty dialogue - Realistic depictions of desire and aging - Complex female friendships - Sense of place in NYC scenes Readers disliked: - Privileged, self-absorbed characters - Slow pacing in middle sections - Some plot elements feel contrived - Explicit sexual content (noted as excessive by some) On Goodreads: 3.4/5 stars (1,200+ ratings) "Brutally honest but hard to connect with these characters" - common sentiment On Amazon: 3.7/5 stars (80+ reviews) "Raw and real, but needed more plot development" Multiple reviews highlight the polarizing nature of the protagonist - some find her refreshingly complex, others see her as unlikeable.

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🔸 Christensen's writing often draws from her personal experiences of reinvention - she herself moved from Brooklyn to Maine in her 40s to restart her life. 🔸 The novel's portrayal of Mexico City was praised for capturing the metropolis's unique energy, from its art scene to its street food culture, making the city itself almost a third main character. 🔸 The book marks a departure from Christensen's earlier works by focusing on female friendship as the central relationship, rather than romantic partnerships. 🔸 "Trouble" was partly inspired by the author's own close friendship with rock musician Lydia Lunch, though the character of Raquel is not directly based on her. 🔸 Christensen won the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction in 2008 for "The Great Man," making her one of the few women to receive this prestigious literary honor in its early decades.