Sandwich by Catherine Newman

Sandwich is the second novel by Catherine Newman, who wrote the beautiful We All Want Impossible Things. It was published in hardback in 2024 and published in paperback in 2025.

It is a quick, moving and beautifully written story about 50-something Rocky – in the middle of her adult children and her ageing parents. Yes, it is a menopause and empty nest novel and Sandwich refers both to her generation and the extravagant sandwiches she makes for her family.

Every year for 20 years or more, Rocky and her family have headed for the same house by the sea. Her kids are now 24 and 21 and they have her son’s girlfriend in tow this year too. The house feels completely unsuitable for five adults, with not enough bedrooms or doors – and gets even more packed when Rocky’s parents pay a short visit. The action all takes place over one single week at the beach.

I love the relationship between Rocky and her kids, especially her daughter Willa. Being at the beach means they revert to children. Rocky savours every moment with them, knowing they will all have to go their separate ways soon. Both Rocky and Willa have anxiety and depression, while the male members of the family live a carefree existence, supporting them and occasionally poking gentle fun at them.

Not a lot happens. A couple of family secrets come out, but there’s no great twist or drama. Sandwich is just a really lovely read about a mum who loves her kids and misses them. As a mum of a similar age with kids of the same age, I can totally relate to it. Being set on a beach, it gave me similar vibes to The Days I Loved You Most which I read recently, but where that was an epic tale spanning 60 years, this was just very simple. And I enjoyed Sandwich a lot more!

If you’re looking for an emotional read about love and family, I would highly recommend Sandwich.