Fans of Nicholas Sparks will love this novel which has been compared to The Notebook. Amy Neff’s debut is unashamedly romantic, an ode to the enduring power of love and its ability to withstand heartbreak, loss and broken dreams.
Set in a Connecticut seaside town, it tells the story of an ageing couple, Joseph and Evelyn, who, because of Evelyn’s diagnosis of rapidly advancing Parkinsons disease, decide to jointly end their lives one year hence. Joseph, although healthy, resolves to die along with Evelyn, because he thinks life without her will be unendurable. One last year, they believe, will provide the right amount of time to connect deeply with their children and grandchildren, build happy memories and fulfil long-held dreams.
The story spans many years and momentous world events such as the Second World War, 9/11 and beyond. Moving between past and present, the voices of Joseph and Evelyn are interchanged with those of their three children, Jane, Michael and Violet. It’s an effective way of showing the complexities of a long marriage from different perspectives.
For all its strengths in writing style, vividness of setting and intriguing concept, I found much of the writing overwrought, with characters constantly sobbing or rapturously declaring undying love. While it’s a very emotive story, much of this could have been condensed or downplayed.
However, Neff very skilfully evokes the setting and there are some strikingly evocative scenes that bring to life a sleepy seaside New England town. Despite Joseph and Evelyn’s preordained countdown, the author leaves readers guessing as to what will transpire at the end of the year.
Reviewed by Anne Green
Recommended for Book Clubs
0 Comments