Jean Dornan has been living her life, almost in a fog. She is in a lackluster marriage, living in New Jersey and working as a court reporter, when her world is suddenly burst open by an invitation she receives. She is shocked to see she’s been invited to a retirement party for David Harwell, the professor who was in charge of the French summer history program she’d done during college. As she contemplates actually attending, in spite of the fact that the party will be in France, all of her memories come rushing back: her first love, her illicit affair with the professor, and the heartbreak of their reality. And who would know better about such an affair but Monica Lewinsky???
I found this novel to be unfortunate. The writer clearly has talent and imagination. The initial development of her idea is amusing. The conjuring of the specter of Monica Lewinsky, a victim both of an abuse of power and a disproportionate public shaming, is a relevant and farcical image. However, the backstory, which takes up most of the novel, becomes rambling, predictable, even whiny. We can see exactly where it is going and what will happen. And while a young crush can be obsessive – often is – it is not fun going through that journey with this particular character (Jean). It is just too repetitive and Jean proves to be a less-than-lovable character.
So while it began as a hopeful read, it was hard to stay with it. I did, but not sure it was worth the effort.
