Rearview Mirror - Hardcover

In her latest psychological thriller, Feldman (Too Close for Comfort) captures the doubts and insecurities of the freelance journalist?here, of heroine Hallie Fields, who writes primarily for Era, a magazine "geared to what are known as women-of-a-certain-age." In addition, the author, who also writes under the name of Elizabeth Villiers, draws the reader expertly into the dramas of Hallie's developing romance with her most recent subject, professional altruist Dexter St. John, and of her discoveries about her next interview subject, Ella Weill, a successful writer of books for young women and a childhood acquaintance of Hallie's. What Feldman doesn't do so well here is generate suspense. Though she makes it clear that something significant, perhaps horrible, is going to happen in the tortured marriage between Weill and her womanizing husband?something possibly involving Hallie herself?the narrative suffers from an erratic rhythm. The fundamental reason for this is Feldman's interspersing of Hattie's first-person narrative with third-person perspectives of other major characters. While this technique broadens the author's canvas and allows her to drive home the idea, implicit in the book's title, that both Hallie's and Emma's lives are reflections of their mothers' troubled times, it also winds up making Hallie seem less real. Fortunately, Feldman's narrative works as social commentary, scoring several tart and clever points about contemporary life.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

New York City freelance writer Hallie Fields agrees to do an in-depth profile on popular YA author Emma Weill, who's also a childhood acquaintance. Emma seems to have it all: a booming career; a handsome, loving husband; and a son and daughter. But it soon becomes apparent that Emma's situation is far from perfect, and Hallie is eventually drawn into the deadly reality of Emma's marriage. Superimposed is the developing romance between Hallie and a subject of one of her earlier profiles, Dexter St. John, and the "truth" of her parents' marriage. Witty and perceptive, Feldman (Too Close for Comfort, LJ 6/15/94) has lots to say about destructive relationships. Her observations on fame and the freelance writing field also ring true. Recommended for most fiction collections.
Rebecca S. Kelm, Northern Kentucky Univ. Lib., Highland Heights
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.