Peter Hedges, author of the critically acclaimed “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” and the screenplays for “About A Boy” and “Dan in Real Life,” offers an intimate look at marriage, parenthood and temptation in his first novel in 12 years, “The Heights.” The novel follows Tim Welch, a private-school history teacher, and his wife, Kate, a stay-at-home mom with two small boys. Their lives are turned upside down when the uniquely beautiful and captivating Anna Brody moves into their neighborhood with her rich, philandering husband and young daughter.

In their neighborhood, the historic Brooklyn Heights, Tim and Kate are surrounded by flaunted affluence. As one of the only middle-class families in the area, they feel the burden of living in New York with only Tim’s meager teaching salary to survive on — until, out of the blue, Anna is offered a fantastic job opportunity working for a large corporation’s charity foundation.

Meanwhile, Anna Brody, the newest addition to the Heights, wades through the many invitations and requests for friendship from her wealthy neighbors. She zeroes in on the Welches, bringing them into her mysterious world. Little do they know, however, that they are getting in way over their heads and that their friendship with Brody could take a disastrous toll on their relationship.

“The Heights” is a quick read, although not a very enjoyable one. Hedges does a good job of creating fully developed and realistic characters, but none of them are particularly likeable, which makes it difficult for readers to take pleasure in the novel. I often found myself wanting to yell at Kate for her unappreciative attitude and at Tim for his emotional weaknesses. Both characters could have used a good stern talking to. The ending is satisfying and the narrative style, with each small chapter told from a different point of view, is a fantastic way for readers to delve deeper into the thoughts of each character.

The beginning of the novel gives an interesting glimpse into marriage and parenthood, and Hedges never glosses over the realities of either. Around the middle of the novel, the plot unfortunately turns into a soap opera-esque drama, which makes it seem that Hedges has written the novel simply to sell the film rights, which may be a good thing. “The Heights” would make a much better romantic dramedy than work of literature.

Grade B-