The Woman Upstairs

The Woman Upstairs (2013) by Claire Messud. Nora Eldridge, an elementary school teacher in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has settled into uncomfortable middle age and (dare we say it) spinsterhood. Then one day, into her classroom comes eight-year-old Reza Shahid, an enchanting boy child who wins her heart. Soon, she finds herself involved with Reza's family, in fact in love with them, separately and as a group. Reza's mother, Sirena, is an artist visiting Cambridge for one year while she works on a new installation. She and Nora rent a loft space together and work on their art together (for Nora is an artist, too). Nora becomes practically a member of the Shahid family, and it is not an exaggeration to say she is obsessed with them. She gives completely of herself, but is unable to proclaim her love. When the Shahids leave at the end of the year, go back to Paris, she must make peace with herself and with her loss. She eventually visits them in Paris, leading to a devastating climax that I did not foresee. This is a well written book with pretty high entertainment value. You will care about Nora. Grade: B+