A Hundred Pieces of Me

Starred review from September 1, 2014

Just before Christmas, breast cancer survivor Gina discovers that Stuart, her husband of five years, has gone away on a "friends" weekend with someone who is more than a friend. Gina is sad but not devastated by the demise of her marriage, because in retrospect she realizes that she and Stuart had become more like housemates than soul mates. Gina moves out of the Victorian home that she and her husband had lovingly restored and into a flat filled to the brim with boxes containing mementoes of a life that she no longer lives. With no room to move and determined to let go of the past, Gina decides to keep only the 100 possessions that mean the most to her. Jettisoning her past piece by piece brings unexpected space for forgiveness and new love. VERDICT Dillon (Lost Dogs and Lonely Hearts) gifts the reader with a story that is warm and thoughtful. As Gina's tale unfolds we find a strong and intelligent woman who is not perfect and has regrets but is finally facing her life head-on. A wonderful novel, strongly reminiscent of Alphabet Weekends by Elizabeth Noble.--Susan Santa, Syosset P.L., NY

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