In five years : a novel

I jumped on the promise of time-travelling glimpse in the future from the jacket of this novel, but I was left disappointed. Dannie, the main character, spends an hour in the future five years from now which shows her life completely different from the path she was currently on. The episode, brief and unexplained, tickled my curiosity, but only just enough to plow through the book. My hunger to find out more was left unsatiated.

The main premise is the drama stemming from the childhood friendship of Dannie and Bella. Call me demanding, but I really couldn’t feel the deep, heart-wrenching bond they were supposed to have. Dannie is an emotionally distant corporate lawyer in New York City, career driven and empty of any deeper qualities except her penchant for describing clothing brands she and everyone around her wears. Bella is (supposedly) gorgeous, smart, impulsive, creative, an artist, rich and well dressed. You don’t figure out the main plot is about their relationship and friendship until you’re half the way through the book. We are not treated with scenes proving why was their friendship so deep and special, we were just told it is by mopey Dannie. No showing, just telling.

You may be entertained as long as you’re into NYC dining scene and its fashion. Just don’t expect too much.