 Mainstream Fiction |
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE Renée Swindle Dell July 2000 (4+) Wayne Jordan |
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PLOT SYNOPSIS: |
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REVIEW: |
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ROMANCE IN COLOR focuses on reviewing romance novels—novels that end with a happily-ever-after. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE is definitely not your typical romance novel. Yes, there is a handsome dark stranger, and plenty of sexual tension; even a feisty heroine, but there is nothing at all romantic about what lies within the 322 pages of PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE. What makes PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE interesting is that it is a character study of a flawed, but strong woman. Babysister is a complex character, and by the end of the book I’m not sure if I like her or not. What I do know, however, is that she’s one of the most fascinating female characters to grace (or should I say disgrace) the pages of a novel. But it is this imperfection that makes PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE so satisfying and excellent work it is. In this
book, Ms. Swindle gives us a spoilt almost childish woman who is so accustomed
to getting what she wants, she deceives not only her family, but her best friend
whose boyfriend she sets out to seduces. She thinks nothing of the consequences of her actions, and
goes after Darren with the skill of a predator…and she succeeds.
Babysister has no problems with using sex to get what she wants.
Even when Deborah, her best friend, and Darren get marries, she has not
problems with carrying on an affair when Darren comes back to her. Despite
all these negative qualities, there is something likable about Babysister.
Maybe it’s the tiny bit of “Babysister” in all of us, that makes us
at times wish we could do all the wicked things we’ve wanted to do; the things
that being “too nice” makes us not do. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, however, is not
only a look into the mind of a flawed heroine, but about relationships, and how
everyday characters interact with and use each other; that each of us is flawed,
and that this is often a result of the events and influences in our lives. The
character of Babysister is sure to give rise to much discussion.
Some readers will love her, other will dislike her.
I’m some way in the middle. Ms. Swindle dares to give us a heroine who is real, but one who is not beyond redemption. Let’s hope that this talented author takes us back to Babysister. I for one am aching to find out what happens next. Ms. Swindle does keep us waiting too long!!
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wayne@romanceincolor.net (8th September 2000) |
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