TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Woman Struggles To Cope After Husband Disappears

ADVERTISEMENT

By K. SUE COLLINS

Published: November 25, 2007

"Waiting to Surface," by Emily Listfield (Atria Books, $25)

The loss of a loved one propels the plot in Emily Listfield's new novel, "Waiting to Surface," a story about coping with a tragedy.

Sarah Larkin's life is turned upside down when her estranged artist husband, Todd, vanishes while traveling in Florida.

Was he a victim of a crime? Did he drop out of his old life to start a new one? Or did his past demons drive him to suicide?

Left to pick up the pieces and ponder the possible scenarios are Sarah and their 6-year-old daughter, Eliza.

Her home world is not the only aspect of her life in flux. Professionally, Sarah must tend to the cutthroat business of magazine publishing, as she and a partner attempt to launch a new magazine.

The behind-the-scenes personalities at work are realistic, but not as bitingly portrayed as in "The Devil Wears Prada."

The contrast works in this novel because Sarah is juggling too many emotions to deal with the over-the-top theatrics of a black comedy.

"Waiting to Surface" is based on Listfield's experiences when her husband disappeared and she was left alone with their daughter.

Much like Sarah in the novel, Listfield had to move on with her life amid uncertainty. Simple and pure in its execution, this novel will resonate with readers who have suffered the pain of bereavement.

"Waiting to Surface" is Listfield's cathartic love song about loss and the absence of closure.

K. Sue Collins of Tampa is a crime novelist.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT