FROM THE PUBLISHER

What happens when the picture-perfect marriage dissolves?

In her stunning new novel, New York Times bestselling author Belva Plain penetrates a shattered marriage to explore one of the most provocative issues of our time. Once again Plain proves herself the writer who sets the standard for family stories in a novel that is at once harrowing and deeply moving.

Gerald and Hyacinth had the kind of marriage others envied. She was a beautiful artist. He was a brilliant plastic surgeon. Theirs was a comfortable, happy home with two wonderful children. Then whispers of betrayal tainted Hy's perfect marriage. And in one terrible night she commits an act she will regret for the rest of her life. An act that gives Gerald the ultimate weapon: blackmail. The price of his silence is uncontested custody of their two children. When her own beautiful, angry mother wants to know why she won't fight for custody, Hy can give no answers. But deep in her heart, Hy knows there is one question she must answer if she wants to free herself from a life of lies: What really happened that terrible night? Only then can she reclaim her children, her pride, her life— at last.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal

When young artist Hyacinth falls in love with and marries Gerald, a medical student, she thinks she has found heaven. But like many marriages, this one founders. Then one night in desperation Hyacinth commits an act for which she will pay dearly, giving Gerald the reason he needs to gain uncontested custody of their two young children. However, despite the anguish over her children and her broken marriage, Hyacinth takes a fashion design course and quickly rises to the top of her profession. Although known and admired for her portrayals of families in all their complexity, Plain's (Legacy of Silence) characters in this book fail to be convincing. The combination of Hyacinth's na vet and meteoric assent in the fashion business strains believability. The author's strength, however, lies in her ability to sustain suspense throughout the story, leaving listeners wondering about "the secret" until the end. Kate Harper reads with skill and emotion, rendering both male and female voices effectively. The tape quality is excellent. Recommended for popular fiction collections. Nancy R. Ives, SUNY at Geneseo Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

AudioFile