The Middle Ages

June 24, 2002
A 40-something New Yorker gets a second chance at love and life in this warm-hearted if wandering third novel by Fields (Crossing Brooklyn Ferry; Lily Beach). Divorced and the mother of teenaged twins, Jane Larsen has worked for the same Manhattan architectural firm for 18 years, designing for chain businesses rather than the dream houses she'd prefer. Disenchanted with men, equally disenchanted with her own overweight and over-the-hill appearance, she's given up on finding love again. But when she's downsized, she takes that as an opportunity to return to her dream of designing houses (the Brooklyn brownstone she renovated for herself is lovingly described), and using the Internet she locates Jack Crashin, her true love whom she hasn't seen in nearly 30 years, the man who first inspired her to become an architect. Sparks begin to fly long-distance—he's in Nashville—and eventually the two reunite. Will Jack and Jane be able to make it work the second time around, despite many complicating factors? Their e-mail exchanges become maudlin, and Jane's view of herself as an unattractive, "cellulitic" woman past her prime is hardly uplifting, all of which is a shame since the author's message—about the need to rearrange one's life in order to avoid regrets—is resoundingly positive. If readers can get past the flaws, Jane's story may resonate with those looking for midlife inspiration. Agent, Lisa Bankoff.