Looking for a fun yet memorable read? Women on the Edge of a Nervous Breakthrough is feel-good chick-lit at the top of its game. Isabel Sharpe's latest novel is a story about three women on the verge of self-discovery. It begins when Vivian Harcourt moves into the sleepy town of Kettle, Wisconsin, the home of her late grandmother. Known to the world as the glamorous Lorelai Taylor and having recently been acquitted of her boyfriend's murder, Vivian moves back to Kettle to escape the media.
Her arrival is a catalyst for two Kettle women who begin to reevaluate their lives after Vivian's to-hell-with-it attitude rubs off on them. There is uptight Sarah: the perfect stay-at-home, Martha Stewart-like wife with a mess of a marriage. She sees Vivian as a threat to idyllic Kettle and openly disdains her for being too flashy and opinionated. Vivian also has a tremendous impact on mousy Erin Hall who has long been an abused wife and sees Vivian as a long-lost kindred spirit. Sharpe's intimate characterization of the two women makes use diary entries and letters.
The story finds its legs once Vivian begins to interact with Sarah, Erin and the other residents of Kettle. As the three ladies acknowledge their impact on one another, they all begin to realize the truth about themselves. Beneath Vivian's flamboyant exterior is a caring and vulnerable woman. Sarah learns to face her loveless marriage and discovers her sexuality. Erin finds inner strength and begins to fight back after years of abuse.
Sharpe has a keen insight into human behavior and works hard at fleshing out her archetypical heroines; it is clear she has a flair for creating realistic, dynamic, and compelling characters. Her prose is sharp and witty, and she clearly knows how to captivate a reader.
Unfortunately, as with much chick-lit, the story and its ending are predictable. Does Vivian find love and solace? Check. Does Sarah realize her marriage is over? You bet. All the loose ends are neatly tied up, and there is a happy ending for everyone. But of course this is what makes Women on the Edge of a Nervous Breakthrough the perfect escapist fare. Despite its predictability, Sharpe's story is memorable because of its' vivid characters and the funny twists-and-turns of the story. There is also a hilarious epilogue that readers won't want to miss.
Unfortunately, as with much chick-lit, the story and its ending are predictable. Does Vivian find love and solace? Check. Does Sarah realize her marriage is over? You bet. All the loose ends are neatly tied up, and there is a happy ending for everyone. But of course this is what makes Women on the Edge of a Nervous Breakthrough the perfect escapist fare. Despite its predictability, Sharpe's story is memorable because of its' vivid characters and the funny twists-and-turns of the story. There is also a hilarious epilogue that readers won't want to miss.
