Escape

Emily Aulenbach, a 32-year-old lawyer in Manhattan, finds herself increasingly disillusioned with her life. Once an idealist dreaming of defending victims of corporate abuse, she now works for a firm that argues against victims of corporate greed, feeling she is betraying her core values. Her personal life offers little solace, as her connections with her sister, friends, and husband, James, have become superficial and rushed. Feeling trapped by the endless obligations of work and marriage, and finding little genuine connection outside of her technology, Emily impulsively decides to abandon her current life without telling anyone. She heads north to Bell Valley, New Hampshire, a small town that holds significant memories from a life-altering summer during her college years. This return is not just a physical journey but a quest to reclaim herself and escape the path she feels has gone so wrong. In Bell Valley, Emily reconnects with Vicki Bell, a friend from her past, and encounters Jude, Vicki's brother and her first love, whose reappearance complicates her search for clarity. The novel delves into themes of confronting past decisions, the pressure of modern life, and the universal desire to find genuine happiness and a sense of purpose. 'Escape' is compelling due to its exploration of relatable dilemmas faced by many women balancing career, relationships, and personal fulfillment. Barbara Delinsky crafts a story rich with character depth, offering a nuanced portrayal of a woman at a crossroads. The novel's ability to weave together themes of corporate ethics, personal rediscovery, and the potential for rekindled romance, alongside surprising plot twists, makes it a captivating read for those seeking a story about courageously forging a new path and redefining dreams.

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