The City is a Rising Tide : Rebecca Lee

In New York City, Justine Laxness works as a money manager at an international nonprofit company, Aquinas. Her obsession with her boss Peter, spurns her to embezzle funds and lend the money to James Nutter, a screenwriter and old flame who has resurfaced in Justine's life after fifteen years. But every action she takes will have unforeseen ramifications, creating a tidal wave of betrayal and destruction from the Three Gorges Dam on to the Yangtze to the refined vistas of Central Park.

I'm often slightly puzzled by the descriptions publishers choose for book flaps and back covers. I think sometimes that they choose the most appealing-sounding description over the most accurate, often to the detriment of the book and the disappointment of the reader.

In this case, the blurb on the book would likely have resulted in my missing this delightful little read. It is as quirky as the blurb promises; however, that's where the description's accuracy starts to waver. The main character is blinded (often frustratingly for the reader) by her obsession for the man who is her boss and this blindness causes her to make some really off-the-wall choices, beginning with simple misdirection to protect him from his pet project's failings and ending with embezzlement. It sounds like a big step to take, and under normal circumstances it might have been. But our main character's colossal blindness pushes her to abnormal leaps of illogic.

I found this fascinating reading. I can't even imagine making those decisions, but I can see -- really see -- how she gets there. This author has a really delightful way of bringing a reader into the story, letting us see New York like a native and visit for a while and lovely cast of characters written with depth and intimacy.

I truly enjoyed this one, and I think anyone looking for a quick, satisfying literary snack will enjoy it as well. I think we've found a gem in Ms. Lee, and I hope she continues delighting us with her offerings.

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Publisher: Simon & Schuster (July 17, 2007)
ISBN-10: 0743276663
ISBN-13: 978-0743276665
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