"Chances are, 'cause I wear a silly grin the moment you come into view
Chances are, you think that I'm in love with you"
- Chances Are sung by Johnny Mathis
I read the novel Chances Are by Richard Russo for the library book club. Our members had a lively discussion of this character-driven story that explores male friendships, the tensions of the late 1960s, and the impact of chance meetings on one's life.
Lincoln, Mickey, and Teddy became close friends while attending a small liberal arts college in the Vietnam era. They lost touch over time, but 40 years later they reunite at Lincoln's Martha's Vineyard cottage to recall their glory days.
Their personalities, backgrounds, and achievements are very different, but they're united by their memories and by questions about the fate of Jacy, a privileged free-spirited college friend they each were a little bit in love with who disappeared soon after a post-graduation weekend at the cottage. Reunited with his friends at the last place they spent time with her, Lincoln begins to ask questions that are answered with surprising responses.
I appreciated this book even though it was slow at the beginning as each man's 'origin story' is shared. Once the scene was set, the plot moved faster and was more interesting as Lincoln, Mickey, and Teddy shared their perspectives of the long-ago weekend.
Secondary characters get involved in Lincoln's investigation, and there's plenty of suspicion to go around. I never would have guessed the truth about Jacy but it wasn't beyond the scope of belief.
I enjoyed Mr. Russo's writing as well as the character growth of the three men, from teens to retirees. Mickey's a musician so there's lots of music talk throughout, and Teddy is a book publisher so there's a glimpse into that world. There's also some political opinions scattered throughout, but not enough to bother my fellow book club members. The title cleverly comes from the Johnny Mathis song quoted at the beginning of my review.
Thanks to the Double Booked Book Club for encouraging me to read this; I likely wouldn't have read it otherwise.
Chances are, you think that I'm in love with you"
- Chances Are sung by Johnny Mathis
I read the novel Chances Are by Richard Russo for the library book club. Our members had a lively discussion of this character-driven story that explores male friendships, the tensions of the late 1960s, and the impact of chance meetings on one's life.
Lincoln, Mickey, and Teddy became close friends while attending a small liberal arts college in the Vietnam era. They lost touch over time, but 40 years later they reunite at Lincoln's Martha's Vineyard cottage to recall their glory days.
Their personalities, backgrounds, and achievements are very different, but they're united by their memories and by questions about the fate of Jacy, a privileged free-spirited college friend they each were a little bit in love with who disappeared soon after a post-graduation weekend at the cottage. Reunited with his friends at the last place they spent time with her, Lincoln begins to ask questions that are answered with surprising responses.
I appreciated this book even though it was slow at the beginning as each man's 'origin story' is shared. Once the scene was set, the plot moved faster and was more interesting as Lincoln, Mickey, and Teddy shared their perspectives of the long-ago weekend.
Secondary characters get involved in Lincoln's investigation, and there's plenty of suspicion to go around. I never would have guessed the truth about Jacy but it wasn't beyond the scope of belief.
I enjoyed Mr. Russo's writing as well as the character growth of the three men, from teens to retirees. Mickey's a musician so there's lots of music talk throughout, and Teddy is a book publisher so there's a glimpse into that world. There's also some political opinions scattered throughout, but not enough to bother my fellow book club members. The title cleverly comes from the Johnny Mathis song quoted at the beginning of my review.
Thanks to the Double Booked Book Club for encouraging me to read this; I likely wouldn't have read it otherwise.
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