Jane Green, Second Chance

Second Chance

Jane Green

Viking, Jun 19 2007, $24.95

ISBN: 0670038571

Terrorists attack the Amtrak train killing thirty-nine year old father and husband Tom Fitzgerald, a British expatriate living with his family in the states. Back in his hometown, stunned by the news of his death, four of his friends from his schooldays back home meet to pay their respects to Tom at his memorial service.

Holly lives the perfect American dream but hates her suburban lifestyle married to a "perfect" spouse who will do anything to foster his image including sell her to gain a promotion; her discontent is exasperated now that she has re-met with Tom's younger brother. Olivia runs an animal shelter, but except for her guests is all alone until just before Tom died he arranged a blind date for her. Writer Paul is happily married to Anna, but he and his wife are hurting by their inability to have a child. Actress Saffron is a recovering alcoholic having an affair with a married Hollywood legend. Tom's sudden death has each of the foursome wondering if that is all there is in life as each wants more.

SECOND CHANCE is an interesting contemporary character study in which author Jane Green purposely uses the prime disturbance of each of the key protagonists as their dominant trait; each wears their emotional baggage on their sleeves. The story line focuses on the quartet and to a lesser degree on the late Tom and his family. Although the wrap up seems too simple, fans of Ms. Green will enjoy her fine tale as Tom's college mates consider taking a SECOND CHANCE by swapping their lives for something helpfully emotionally much better.

Harriet Klausner