Barrie Hill Reunion is the first of Lisette Brodey’s novels I’ve read, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I do now, though—well-developed characters, a plot with turns and twists you won’t see coming, and excellent narrative skills. In short, I was impressed.
The story evolves around eight old college friends who get together for a reunion for the first time in twenty years. Each of the characters is memorable and each feels real, some maybe more real than you’d like. Leah Brent is a despicable person, using all her considerable sarcastic skills to belittle, embarrass, even humiliate the others. Her key target is Clare Dreyser, who for some unstated reason Leah hates. Leah’s constant negative comments, cruel sarcasm, and finally her attempts to blackmail others into helping her take down Clare, by supporting her attacks, make her the clear villain of the piece. One who’s feels every bit as evil as Iago. She is so irritating and unpleasant, in fact, I was thinking this novel might turn out to be a cozy mystery with Leah's body being discovered and everyone else a viable suspect. Spoiler alert, that’s not what happens.
In Brodey’s hands, Barrie Hill Reunion is anything but predictable. It’s a character-driven literary work, with an ensemble cast, and top-notch writing. We’ll remember the characters we meet here long after the last page is turned.
I would have liked a clearer explanation/illustration of why Leah’s hatred of Clare is so deep and has lasted for two decades. It’s not hard to guess that her motivation is based on pent-up jealousy and a well-hidden sense of low self-esteem, but a hint here and there would have brought that point home. We know Leah will get her comeuppance eventually, she has to, and we’re rooting for it. That said, the ending is a complete, perfect surprise.
I highly recommend Lisette Brodey’s work in general, and Barrie Hill Reunion in particular. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
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