I try to keep my book reviews focused on the positive. I choose not to tear down another writer. However, my critique of Just for the Summer by Melody Carlson serves as a teachable moment for other writers, highlighting the perils of writing a story with two protagonists.
First, the review:
3 out of 5 stars
The plot was charming and had great potential, but…
Ginny was a fine protagonist. This reader quickly felt empathy for this woman. Jacqueline…not so much!
The chapters bounced back and forth between the two women as they had agreed to ‘trade places’, that is, ‘job swap’ for the summer.
Sounds interesting….right?
Unfortunately, I found the second heroine of our story very much a caricature of a shallow villainess. Jacqueline, her boss Diana, and her boy friend, were all clichés. Overblown characters with no redeeming traits.
And at the end I found the ‘wrapping up’ of Jacqueline’s story too ‘pat’.
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Maybe the problem was that the book was top-heavy with Ginny’s life and struggles. Maybe the problem was the author didn’t give enough ink and paper to Jacqueline. Hard to say.
But, if you plan on writing a story with two protagonists and one turns out to be an antagonist….be careful of these pitfalls when mapping out your plot.
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