Elizabeth Wrenn Around the Next Corner

Around the Next Corner

Elizabeth Wrenn

NAL, Jun 2006, $12.95

ISBN: 0451218426

She wonders what ever happened to intelligent enthusiastic Deena Munger. One day she had a future now middle age and all she shows is a disrespected unappreciated housewife and mother. In her mind there is no Deena; only mother to indifferent children and housewife to an uncaring mate though she admits she loves her family.

Deena decides it is time for a change from her mundane existence. She chooses to help society by raising a puppy for K-9 Eyes for the Blind. However, Deena begins to ponder whether the grass was greener when she was a common housewife as her new dog Helouise is a lunatic on four legs who has nuked the lifestyle of the Mungers. Deena realizes that Helouise will either prove the family savior or the straw that broke the marriage.

Elizabeth Wrenn provides a deep insightful look at a mom and wife who loves her family, but wonders when her unique identity vanished. Deena is a fabulous protagonist wondering is that all there is as she lives life through her family until she brings Helouise into the household. Ironically and realistically, she does not revert back to a previous Deena as her new role is through the canine as the teacher. Still Helouise changes the group dynamics so indirectly the heroine begins to reassert herself as more than just mom, wife, and teacher. AROUND THE NEXT CORNER will hit home to baby boomers who like this literary soul mate will wonder when I morphed from that idealistic dreamer into an aging pragmatist.

Harriet Klausner