October 7, 2008

April Showers

“Between Here and April,” by Deborah Copaken Kogan

Sophomore efforts often fail (like Michael Waiser’s sorry lunge for your boob).

But not all seconds are sloppy.

Deborah Copaken Kogan’s sophomore work, Between Here and April, is as outstanding as her debut memoir, Shutterbabe.

Her new book is a novel, thought it’s layered with more facts than most memoirs. The seed of the plot is true: In 1972, the author’s best friend was murdered by her own mother. As the book opens, protagonist Elizabeth Burns jarringly recalls the event while watching Medea.

Elizabeth then delves into the past, questioning what could bring a parent to do the unimaginable, while struggling with her own decisions — to give up a career, raise a family, settle.

The novel has a haunting eyes-wide openness that makes you want to hold it tightly and push it away.

Much like you did with Mr. Waiser.


Available online at booksandbooks.com.