Delacorte, Apr 2001, 25.95, 352 pp.
ISBN: 0385334710
Norma and Cecile come from wealth with their families knowing one another for years. On the other hand, Amanda has lived her entire life being dirt poor. Only an academic scholarship allows her to attend the same university as Norma and Cecile. The three becomes college roommates and ultimately friends for life in spite of Amanda's background.
After graduation, the trio moves on with their lives, but remain friends. Over time, Norma believes Amanda is perfect for her older brother and dreams of the two of them falling in love with one another. However, not everyone in Norma's circle accepts white trash, albeit educated, like Amanda. Betrayal between friends and treachery between families and loved ones will soon test the strengths and weaknesses of the friendships.
Plain speaking, very few authors have the ability to develop complete characters for a wide ensemble cast while maintaining a strong story line. Belva Plain consistently furnishes her fans with deep characters involved in complex relationships inside real plots. Her latest relationship drama, LOOKING BACK, does all that and more as the inner thoughts and ambitions of the three friends are exposed with their deep-rooted values betrayed. Ms. Plain provides her readers with another intricate look at the human condition.
Harriet Klausner
This report prepared by Harriet Klausner
