November 1, 2009
Fiftyish Lena Spencer asks, "What's love got to do with it?" when a midlife crisis forces her to make a choice between her current comfort as the wife of a wealthy but distant husband and the dream of opening a photo gallery she gave up 26 years ago. The road to self-discovery is frightening and painful, as Lena risks losing the love and affection of her family and friends in order to regain her faded self-respect. Using singer Tina Turner's bold journey to independence and success as an inspiration, Lena pushes herself to discover the peace of mind for which so many often hunger. Readers are left to question whether true happiness is defined by the life that we experience or the dream that burns within us. VERDICT Readers relishing a quick and entertaining read will be disappointed, but fans of Terry McMillan's insightful dissections of love and life will appreciate debut novelist Luckett's similar writing style. [See fall first-fiction feature, "Falling into Bounty," "LJ" 10/1/09.]Lisa Jones, Birmingham P.L., AL
Copyright 2009 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
November 15, 2009
Wealthy California matron in midlife crisis uses the veteran entertainer as her role model in Luckett's debut.
While husband Randall is on an extended business trip, Lena stews in their Oakland mansion and reads Tina's autobiography about life after Ike. Randall is no abusive Ike Turner. But he is a self-absorbed businessman who won't go back to marriage counseling and has told Lena to figure out on her own what she wants. Lena put her ambitions as a photographer on hold in order to support Randall in his climb up the corporate ladder. Now he takes her for granted and can't understand why she doesn't appreciate the expensive lifestyle he's provided. She tells him: She wants his attention, not his gifts (although readers might notice she does seem to relish the expensive trappings described in loving detail). When Randall gets home, the marriage goes from bad to worse. He may or may not be fooling around with his assistant, but he definitely resents what he considers Lena's disloyalty as much as she resents his high-handed arrogance. When the two separate, their bratty college-age kids are with Randall all the way. Soon Lena is comfortably ensconced in her new luxury apartment with a dream gallery job starting in two weeks. She takes off for southern France, hoping to meet Tina and see her perform in concert. Wouldn't you know it, shortly after arriving in Nice she runs into an old flame at the hotel pool. Years ago, Harmon chose another woman and has regretted it ever since. Soon he's wining, dining and bedding Lena—not to mention proposing. When Randall shows up, full of apologies, she is understandably torn. Then she learns that her beloved mother has died and cuts her trip short. Even though Lena never actually sees Tina Turner perform, her self-affirming spirit carries the day.
The fact that the characters happen to be African-American adds nothing to this standard woman's empowerment romance.
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December 1, 2009
Lenas husband, Randall, has been climbing the corporate ladder for years, and Lena has supported him every step of the way, glad to help him and raise their two children. But now she feels as though she has lost herself in the process, and is drowning in luxury. With his goal of becoming the first black CEO of his company in reach, Randall refuses to go to therapy; and with the same determination that has led to his success, he tells Lena to accept the status quo or get a divorce. At 52, Lena well knows how divorce changes everything as friends, and even children, choose sides. Seeking guidance and support, Lena discovers the wisdom of singer and survivor Tina Turner, using Turners story as a road map to finding her own happiness and a way back to her dreams. In her debut novel Luckett delivers a strong, likable heroine who comes through her crisis by recognizing her true worth and empowering herself. Lucketts triumphant tale will rally readers of all backgrounds.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)