Rachel suffers from a breakdown due to the pressures of her career and personal life, leading to her disappearance and hospitalization.
Rachel Fleishman, a high-powered talent agent, is depicted as having a successful career and a seemingly perfect life. However, as the story unfolds in “Fleishman Is in Trouble,” it becomes evident that Rachel is struggling to balance her demanding job with the responsibilities of motherhood and the expectations placed upon her. The stress of managing her career and personal life eventually becomes too much for her to handle.
Throughout the novel, Rachel’s character is explored through the perspective of her ex-husband, Toby Fleishman. After their divorce, Rachel’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic, culminating in her sudden disappearance, leaving Toby with their two children. Toby is left to piece together what happened to her while also confronting his own shortcomings and the role they may have played in the breakdown of their marriage.
As Toby reflects on their relationship and the events leading up to Rachel’s disappearance, it becomes clear that Rachel felt overwhelmed and unsupported. Her breakdown is a result of the immense pressure she faced to excel in her high-stress job while also being present for her children and dealing with the fallout of her divorce. Eventually, Rachel’s mental and emotional state deteriorates to the point where she requires hospitalization to recover.
The novel delves into the complexities of modern marriage, gender roles, and the unrealistic expectations society often places on women to be perfect in every aspect of their lives. Rachel’s story serves as a poignant example of how these pressures can lead to a crisis when left unaddressed.
