“The Wapshot Scandal” is a novel written by John Cheever and published in 1964. It is the second installment in the Wapshot Chronicle series and continues to explore the lives of the eccentric Wapshot family. The novel delves into themes of morality, identity, and the changing social landscape of mid-20th century America.

The story picks up several years after the events of the first novel, “The Wapshot Chronicle.” The main focus is on the Wapshot brothers, Moses and Coverly, as well as their eccentric and dysfunctional relatives.

Moses, the elder brother, is living in a retirement community in St. Botolphs, a fictional New England town. He is struggling with his health and a sense of purposelessness. Meanwhile, Coverly, the younger brother, is working as a journalist in New York City.

The scandal of the title involves Coverly’s involvement with the notorious Club Diva, a secretive organization that engages in illicit activities, including gambling and prostitution. As the scandal unfolds, Coverly finds himself entangled in a web of intrigue and deception.

The novel also explores the lives of other Wapshot family members, including their cousin Honora, who is married to a successful businessman named Leander Wapshot. Honora becomes disillusioned with her marriage and embarks on a relationship with a young artist named Dinky.

As the Wapshots navigate their individual crises, the novel delves into their inner struggles, aspirations, and the consequences of their choices. The narrative weaves together various storylines and perspectives, capturing the complexities of family dynamics and the impact of societal expectations.

Cheever’s writing style is known for its wit and social commentary. “The Wapshot Scandal” explores the changing social mores of the time, particularly in relation to sexuality and morality. The novel also touches on themes of generational shifts and the clash between tradition and modernity.

In the end, the Wapshots face the consequences of their actions, and the novel reflects on the transient nature of life and the complexity of human relationships. It offers a multi-layered portrait of a family grappling with their own desires, societal expectations, and the pursuit of happiness.