Finished 9-17-10, rating 3.5/5, fiction, pub. 1991
Was she crazy? Had she just escaped from an asylum? From jail? Was she on the run? She laughed at her own histrionics. If she hadn’t been crazy before all this started she certainly would be by the time it was over. Would it ever be over?
Chapter 1
Jane is aimlessly walking around Boston, not knowing who she is or why she’s there. She has blood on her dress and $10,000 in her coat pocket, so she checks into a hotel to get her bearings. After a few days she realizes her memory is not coming back so she turns herself over to police, who in turn send her to the hospital. She is told that she had temporary amnesia and in a stroke of luck is recognized by one of the nurses. Jane’s husband, Michael is a pediatric surgeon at another hospital. The two are reunited, but Jane is still lost and confused.
The premise is a terrifying one. All of the sudden to be in a big city, not know who you are and to realize no one is looking for you would be quite a shock to the system. Jane was an interesting character. Since she didn’t know who she was I wasn’t sure who she was either. I grew frustrated at her docile ambivalence to her situation at home, especially when she was repeatedly told how feisty she really was. Who was the real Jane?
It’s a page turner, but my frustration with Jane and the too long chapters on her contemplating her unknown life kept it from being excellent. I kept wanting it to read faster. But once things started happening halfway through the pace and story picked up. The end was great and I did enjoy it.
This is from my personal library and chosen by Kristie, GMR, and Debby. Here’s what they had to say…
“One of my all time favorite books.” Debby
“This was one of the first fiction novels I read as I was growing up (aside from kids fiction and such)…didn’t actually realize the author until a few weeks ago when I read a review on the title. Definitely a fast paced thriller…” GMR
“I just finished reading this one Saturday and enjoyed it. You can see a review on my blog!” Kristie
Stacy's Books 
I’ve heard of this one but never read it. I’m still not sure.
It does sound like a terrifying premise, but it sounds like it might be a little too introspective.
I remember reading this when it first came out and thought it was great. It feels like it was a lot earlier than 1991, though.
It’s amazing how long ago 1991 really was 🙂 Most people I know whp’ve read it loved it, so maybe my expectations were too high.
I’ve read a few Joy Fielding books and enjoyed them, but I have not read this one.
I’m glad the story picked up because that eye-catching cover just couldn’t go to waste.
Oh – I love to hear that the end was worth it! I don’t mind a middling middle if the end is a treat.
P.S. – when did you change your About photo? I like the bookshelf shot. I do miss Max, and Scout before him though ;0)
Thought I’d try something new 🙂
Hmmpphh, I like the base storyline. And I think I can give it a try too 🙂
Oh… I like the premise of this one. Sounds like it is movie ready!
It was made into a movie, but not a very successful one I guess because I hadn’t heard of it either!
I can see why you were frustrated with the story. It doesn’t make sense that, if she was married, no one was looking for her. Surely she had friends or other family members who cared? Now I have to read this as my curiosity is aroused.
It does make you think.
Definitely sounds like a page-turner!