Emma Staub's AMERICAN FANTASY-Is a Fiasco from the Get Go

Emma Staub is an American author in her mid 40s who is touted as a voice for middle aged women. In her latest novel, AMERICAN FANTASY has garnered a lot of good buzz as being a beacon for older women's fantastical fantasies of rejuvenation on a mini-vacation featuring the heartthrob rock band of their youths.  This benign if not jovial premise quickly sinks off-shore.  Annie agreed to go with her younger sister on this short cruise following her recent divorce as an opportunity to recharge.  The cruise features the favorite rock group from their youth and the chance for fans to co-mingle with the band members who are also in their 40s and 50s.  Unfortunately, Annie's sister's suffers a broken leg leaving Annie to set sail solo.  Not a huge fan of either the rock group Boy Talk or cruises, Annie is game anyway for a getaway that has  been  paid for.  Annie's roommate, Maira is an old pro on board.  Knowing all the ropes, Maira steers Annie affably around the ship. The setup seemed benign if not lighthearted but truth be told, the 50 somethings with extra skin folds and flabby limbs, dressed up in their prom outfits or peignoirs for pajama party night were pathetic.  Annie along with the other women on board are looking for a break from their bored, mundane lives at home and hope to escape back to a time in their prime.  So too are the aging boy band members whose heyday has passed and are looking for more pay days using their glory days.  The combustible combination of tensions amidst the bandmates and cunning competition among the women to grab the attention of the bandmates becomes grating. Annie's unassuming demeanor wins her notice from Keith in the band who is struggling with his brother in the band, strains in his marriage and finding meaning in his life.  Their heart to heart and lingering kiss on the last night are enough to make everyone on board seasick.  Sarah, the managing director on board has numerous knots to secure and plenty of problems to unravel to keep things running smoothly.  However none of these tales of behind the scenes or aging in a youth concise society sustain wind.  Instead everyone and everything feels shallow.  The cruise is stuck in a morass of whining and yearning for years that passed.  Don't bother signing up for this tedious journey that is neither titillating, entertaining or clever.  You'll be stuck in the doldrums.