Helpful Score: 1
Olympic swimmer Jesse Austin is seduced and consequently edged out for a gold medal by her Australian rival. From there, Anshaw intricately traces three possible paths for Jesse, spinning exhilarating variations on the themes of lost love and parallel lives unlived. Dorothy Allison, author of Bastard Out of Carolina, writes, "I found myself wishing I could buy a dozen copies and start a discussion group, just so I'd be able to debate all the questions this astonishing novel provokes." Excellent story, quick read, clever presentation of three different scenarios for a life.
Interesting look at a life that could have taken one of several paths, and what would have changed or remained the same depending on which choices the main character made.
This is one of my favorite books. Everyone has some experience in life that you think life would have been entirely different if only . . . .
I have to admit I never actually read this book, but it came highly recommended by the owner of a small town bookstore.