Emily and Einstein—A Book Review

  Written by Linda Francis Lee; published by St Martin’s Press

Happily, Emily and Einstein, A Novel of Second Chances was not what I expected it to be. I expected a sentimental little tale of a woman who experiences a loss and finds solace in a faithful and loving little dog who helps her reconnect to the world.

It turned out to be a little darker, more complex, and more entertaining.

Emily is a list maker, a planner who seems to have her life under control with a job as a respected senior editor, a handsome husband from an old money family, and a great apartment in the world’s most famous apartment building, the Dakota.

Then her life comes apart. Her husband, Sandy, is killed suddenly; she finds out that he was a world class jerk who was planning to divorce her; and she is in danger of losing her beloved apartment. While struggling with all this, things unravel at work when a rival takes credit for Emily’s ideas and the publishing house is taken over by a company intent on making money.

She does find solace in the little scruffy dog, Einstein, but Einstein is not what he seems. In a bit of fantasy Sandy has entered the body of Einstein and the arrogant, self-centered man becomes a funny, self-centered little dog.

As Emily’s life spins out of control, Einstein is torn between helping her or giving in to jealousy because she is still human while he has to suffer the indignities of being a little dog.

Sandy/Einstein must learn to save Emily as the only way to redeem himself.

The book alternates chapters with Sandy/Einstein chapters in san serif type and Emily in serif, as they experience the same incidents, but from differing perspectives.

Other characters include Emily’s totally irresponsible younger sister; their deceased mother, a pioneer in the women’s movement who continues to exert an influence; a strange old man who offers Sandy/Einstein choices he doesn’t understand; the inevitable bitchy women at work; a ruggedly handsome former Navy Seal who becomes Emily’s love interest; Sandy’s mother who tries to throw Emily out of the Dakota, but who has an embarrassing secret; and an old family friend who gives Emily a way out.

And somehow the Dakota itself seems to be almost a character to advance the plot, not just a setting.

Emily and Einstein is a well crafted book about second chances and redemption. It is an entertaining read, not just for dog lovers.

Comments

[Becky]

That does sound like a good book. Thank goodness we can't judge by the cover.

[jackie]

ok, now I'll read it..and I've been freaked out about the Dakota since Rosemary's Baby.

[Peggy Frezon @Peggy's Pet Place]

Thanks for the book review. The idea of the husband redeeming himself in the form of the adorable little dog sounds intriguing.

[Tammy]

Wow - this sounds like a great story! I'll have to add it to my "to read" list! Thanks for reviewing it!

[Tracey]

Sounds like an interesting one Jan ... I like that it's a little different to what you'd first expect. :)

[Khyra]

It does look to be a furry good read!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

[iPhone insurance]

 
I will have the time to avail one of the publications of these books. I bet the book has an interesting story.