This was a good summer read. This was one of Karen White's early novels (first published in 2002) and then revised and published again in 2010. I think it would be interesting to read the original novel, simply to see what revisions she made.
What is unique is that the catalyst for the sisters' 15 year long separation - Harriet's elopement with Joe - is never fully explained. We know that Cassie was in love with Joe, and I think dating him, but it's hard to know the timeline of events. Her younger sister, Harriet, also falls in love with Joe - and then they elope. The details are not included surrounding these events. All we know is that Cassie leaves home after the elopement and moves to New York.
Flash ahead 15 years and their father is dying. Cassie returns home for the first time to say goodbye to her father. Even though Cassie is engaged to someone (Andrew), she really only realizes that she no longer loves Joe when she sees him again and there is no "spark". Fifteen years is a long time to hold on to something like that! Yikes. Besides the fact that Harriet and Joe truly love each other and have a strong connection - and 5 kids!
Then enter Dr. Sam Parker - and an instant sexual attraction for Cassie - and the story moves along in a predictable manner. The story being predictable didn't detract from my enjoyment of reading it though. That's what summer reads are all about! As with most Karen White novels, the ending is a mixture of sadness and happiness. What I liked though is that Cassie did not give up her passion for her job - she doesn't sacrifice herself and her interests - for the people that she loves. Sometimes you just have to work harder to find a solution when there doesn't seem to be one. There are lots of shades between black and white. You have to think outside the box, which Cassie did in the end.
Wendy's Rating: ****
No comments:
Post a Comment