An Ordinary Woman.

by Donna Hill St. Martin's Press, October 2002 $23.95, ISBN 0-312-28191-9

Romance novelist Donna Hill broke into contemporary fiction with her novel Rhythms, her best-selling book to date. With her new novel, An Ordinary Woman, she seeks to expand her audience. An Ordinary Woman explores the lives of best friends Lisa Holder and Asha Woods, who develop a bond of sisterhood as children that continues into their adult lives. But nothing prepares them for the devastating effects of a secret that threatens to tear apart many lives.

Hill introduces readers to characters whose voices are candid and familiar, and whose experiences are realistic. Ordinary Woman begins with Asha's story, which is told in an intimate first-person narrative, followed by Lisa's story. Each gives her account of the emotional dilemmas that plague them. We learn that Lisa plans everything in her life, even her relationship and eventual marriage to Ross Davis. Asha, however, lives for the moment enjoying her independence and avoiding commitment, while traveling the world as a photographer in search of the perfect shot. Both women appear to have everything they want, but looks can be deceiving.

In An Ordinary Woman, Hill keeps it real to the end. Although her characters are intriguing, it takes a while for the story to gel. The first-person perspective, though interesting, did not help to make the story line any clearer. However, the surprise ending makes for a satisfying conclusion.

--Althea Lenore Honegan is a freelance writer living in Brooklyn, New York.