Twin Beds in Rome by John Updike. Short summary

5 seconds

The Maple spouses divorce, but go to Rome together out of habit. Here they finally part ways. But they have such a good vacation that the husband thinks about not splitting up.

1 minute

Richard and Joan Maple are about to divorce, but out of habit they go on vacation together in Rome.

At first, they find it difficult to be together. They walk around the city, admiring the sights. Richard is so stressed that he has a stomach ache. They return to the hotel.

Richard falls asleep in his room. When he wakes up, he feels the pain is gone. He calls his wife for lunch.

After lunch, they walk around Rome again. Each realizes that the relationship is over. This gives their communication an ease that was there before the marriage. The couple enjoys spending time together. Richard wonders if they should break up.