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Laura Schultz

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Second Chances

by Maria Savva (Goodreads Author)

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read in December 2010

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Laura Schultz said: " The novel Second Chances by Maria Savva is a journey across continents, that gives the reader a birds-eye view into the consequences within relationships of keeping secrets and the continuation of dysfunctional communication patterns. It is not uncom The novel Second Chances by Maria Savva is a journey across continents, that gives the reader a birds-eye view into the consequences within relationships of keeping secrets and the continuation of dysfunctional communication patterns. It is not uncommon for partners within marriages to withhold the truth with a catastrophic outcome for both people. The spouses in Second Chances are the epitome of this dynamic and luckily for them after much agony, are able to piece together the jigsaw of their mistakes before it’s too late.

The two main characters James and Pamela are locked into the pattern of resentment that builds when both husband and wife get used to their lack of tolerance and empathy for what the other goes through in daily life. James is locked into a pattern of workaholism, believing it is the role as a husband to provide for his family without question. However in the process of his daily grind, he ignores the needs of his wife and children without those tender moments and nurturing they have been missing for a long while. In contrast, Pamela is caring for the needs of both her husband and children as the resentment within her builds to a crescendo and she has had enough of being ignored by James. After another argument about the failings in the marriage and reaching her last straw, Pamela reaches the conclusion that the marriage is over and runs away with the children—leaving only a note in her wake.

But this is only a small portion of the plot in Second Chances and only the first in a string of secrets that are carefully unveiled in this alluring novel. From start to finish the reader is engrossed in the next chapter of secrets and missteps. At each turn and each sequence in the plot, the lack of communication and honest conversation leads to another misunderstanding. Throughout the latter part of the book, the reader could become frustrated with the characters as they continue to miss each other both verbally and physically. The main reason is not so much in the writing but sheer frustration with the two partners. For people who deeply love each other it seems that they cannot resolve who is where and for what purpose—as they continue to be unable to talk freely without game playing.

There is another darker secret that exists from Pamela’s past-- a web of deceit from years ago that involves many keepers of the secret who have remained mum for what appears to be eons. The resolution of this book is an interesting one that is quite unexpected and holds the interest of the reader. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who appreciates the positives as well as the failings and frailties of relationships. ...more "

Jan 08, 2011 07:56PM · see review