After the Happy End

by Rita Kinsky

After the Happy End by Rita Kinsky brings a fresh voice and a bright light to the issue of émigré women who try to find their place in this tough but fair country. Victoria, a thirty-something-year-old woman from the Soviet Union, is dragged to the United States by a series of unexpected and “out of the blue” events. After Victoria loses her husband to another woman and is estranged from her beloved son, she finds herself isolated and alone. She must learn to live by herself—easier said than done. Over time, she finds the promise of a new relationship and a rekindling of the dream, when Alex comes into her life. Alex breathes new life into Victoria and new hope that all will be well. But, once again, Victoria finds herself facing the unexpected and the harsh realities. Alex’s daughter brings a whole new set of troubles into Victoria’s life, troubles that set her on a course with an uncertain end. Victoria realizes that when drugs are involved, even a very strong marriage cannot survive. Written with humor and angst, author Kinsky paints a fictional portrait that many women who come to America in search of a better life will recognize. This story is an intimate portrait of one woman’s journey of hope, redemption, and determination. It is also a novel of extraordinary poetry and lyrical simplicity. Populated with rich settings and multi-dimensional characters, After the Happy End accomplishes what so many other novels fail to do; it reflects real ills of the entitlement system America has today when achievers are punished and losers are indulged. Kinsky tells a captivating and entertaining story worthy of the genre. This book is a must read for any woman who has immigrated to the United States to find happiness and love, for any overindulging parent, or for anyone who just loves a great story well told.

279 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 2, 2011