Forever. - Review - book review

Forever Timmothy B. McCann Dafina Books, April 2001, $22.00, ISBN 1-575-66757-6

Through crises and victories, this bewitching novel explores whether love and marriage can last forever.

Picking up from Until (Mc Cann's first novel) Betty and Drew are joined by Betty's fun-loving friend Jacqui and her boyfriend Steph. They all secretly yearn for the kinds of love dreams are spun from, yet none of them are willing to trade their pride, ambitions or unhealed wounds for it.

Betty and Drew seem the golden American couple. They are successful, professional newlyweds, who juggle marriage, careers, family and friends. But they allow their social, familial and professional obligations to take precedence over their marriage. Betty is plagued by feelings for an ex-lover. As Drew fights to win his wife's heart, he wonders if it's a hopeless battle.

Jacqui and Steph's relationship appears doomed from the start. Steph, a good looking, ladies' man, is pursuing his dream of becoming a cover model. His financial future is unstable, and he forgoes commitment to Jacqui. Jacqui, a prosperous, brash-tongued businesswoman, doesn't care about Steph's finances, and prays for Steph's unconditional love. McCann's characterization's compel the reader to empathize with the characters. The use of trick spellings to mimic character dialect often jars the reader, but overall the novel captivates.

Alicia M. Singleton is a freelance writer actively pursuing representation for her novel, Dark Side of Valor.

COPYRIGHT 2001 Cox, Matthews & Associates
COPYRIGHT 2001 Gale Group