Holding Onto the Past, Looking to the Future

Time, as in all things, drives the events in The Cookbook Collector. Goodman has made time a focus in the novel, noting the time period which each part of the book unfolds. It is interesting how so much of the novel is fixated on pushing toward the future and making it a reality today, while other parts cannot move on from the past. The characters in the novel simultaneously latch onto the past and pine for the future, creating a stark contrast between those who choose opposite lifestyles.

The most obvious push toward the future is the era which the entire novel is centered around: the turn of the millennium. This was a time where the internet was booming and technology was a valuable commodity, which is why dot com startups could find so much success, and cutting edge companies like Veritech and ISIS could become so profitable overnight. Jonathan and Emily's companies were pushing the envelope technologically and designing products for the new century. They were creating the future and were wholly focused on making that future as advanced and secure as they possibly could. 

The other half of the story's main characters, however, look to the past with wistful affection. Jess and George are nothing if not nostalgic. George is especially old-fashioned, giving up his life at technology powerhouse Microsoft to own a rare and antique book store in a college town. He collects typewriters and finds joy in the simple pleasures of life despite his technology background: cooking, wine, literature, love. Jess shares his love of ancient books, literature, and poetry and does not buy into the fast paced business lifestyle her sister has invested so much into. She finds her joy in religion and philosophy and love, not money, which is rare for a college student.

The novel ends with both the old-fashioned and the modern characters finding contentment. Goodman recognizes the validity of both choices and acknowledges that either can garner positive results, but it is staying true to oneself that is most important. Jess is old in spirit, and it is not until she finds an older, like-minded man in George that she finds what she wants. Along the same line, Emily begins her recovery process by clinging to the past like her sister and finding out about her mother's life, but it is not until she pours herself into her new startup that she seems healed. The nostalgic long for the past. The innovative want to create the future. Either is a viable lifestyle, but will only bring happiness when pursued genuinely.