In Five Years

By Rebecca Serle

Book Review: In Five Years by Rebecca Serle

Summary

In Five Years by Rebecca Serle tells the story of Dannie Kohan, a meticulous and pragmatic lawyer with a five-year plan, who wakes up one night after a dream to find herself in a completely different apartment, engaged to a man who is not her fiancé, and five years into the future. The future life is radically different from her current one, and the vision disappears as quickly as it came. Shaken, Dannie tries to dismiss it as just a dream, but when she unexpectedly encounters the man from her future, Aaron Gregory, she struggles to reconcile her carefully constructed life with the possibility of an alternate path.

The story delves into themes of love, destiny, free will, and the unpredictable nature of life. Dannie is forced to question her assumptions about what she wants and how much control she truly has over her future. As she navigates her current relationship and the complicated re-emergence of Aaron into her life, she confronts difficult truths about herself and those around her.

Detailed Review

Characters

Dannie Kohan

• A highly organized and driven lawyer.
• Initially appears pragmatic and somewhat rigid.
• Undergoes significant character development as she grapples with her "future vision" and its implications.
• Her vulnerabilities and the ways she learns to embrace uncertainty are central to the narrative.

Aaron Gregory

• A charming and artistic man who provides a stark contrast to Dannie's structured existence.
• He appears in both her dream future and her current life, creating a complex and emotionally charged dynamic.
• Acts as a catalyst for Dannie’s internal struggles and personal growth.

Bella

• Dannie's best friend and a vibrant, free-spirited artist.
• Provides a counterpoint to Dannie's meticulous nature.
• Their friendship is a vital element of the story, exploring the complexities of female bonds.

David

• Dannie's fiancé; embodies the predictable stability she craves.
• His presence highlights Dannie’s internal conflict between her planned life and the uncertainty revealed by her vision.

Plot and Pacing

• The narrative is primarily character-driven, focusing on Dannie's internal struggles and relationships.
• The pace is generally moderate, allowing for emotional depth and character development.
• The dream sequence in the beginning is crucial, acting as a hook and setting up the central conflict.
• The way the lives of the characters intertwine, and the revelations that unfold, is gradual and carefully managed.

Themes

Destiny vs. Free Will

• The central theme explores whether our lives are predetermined or if we have the power to shape our own futures.
• Dannie's struggle with accepting the potential truth of her vision versus her desire for a planned life exemplifies this conflict.

Love and Relationships

• The book examines different forms of love: romantic love, friendship, and familial love.
• It highlights the complexities and nuances of each type of relationship.
• Challenges assumptions about what makes a successful or fulfilling relationship.

Acceptance and Uncertainty

• Dannie's journey is largely about learning to accept the uncertainty of life and the importance of living in the present.
• She learns to let go of her rigid plans and embrace the unknown, fostering personal growth.

Writing Style

• Serle's writing is engaging and easy to read, with a strong emphasis on emotional resonance.
• The narrative is told from Dannie's first-person perspective, allowing readers to intimately connect with her thoughts and feelings.
• The use of vivid descriptions creates a clear sense of place and atmosphere.

Strengths

• Well-developed characters with compelling inner lives.
• Exploration of complex and relatable themes.
• Emotional depth that resonates with readers.
• Unique and engaging premise.

Weaknesses

• The plot may become somewhat predictable at certain points.
• Some readers might find Dannie initially frustrating due to her rigid nature.

Conclusion

In Five Years is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant novel that explores the complexities of love, destiny, and the acceptance of life's unpredictable nature. While the story might not be groundbreaking in terms of plot twists, its strength lies in its character development, emotional depth, and the poignant exploration of its central themes. Rebecca Serle's engaging writing style and her ability to create relatable characters make this a compelling read for anyone who has ever questioned their path in life.

Buy the book here.