Book Review: In Five Years by Rebecca Serle
When I first picked up In Five Years by Rebecca Serle, I was drawn in by the premise—a tale about the unpredictability of life and plans, enticingly wrapped up in a romantic narrative. After all, who hasn’t pondered where they’ll be in five years? Little did I know that this exploration would lead me through a labyrinth of frustration, confusion, and a deep-seated dislike for the main character’s choices.
At its core, In Five Years revolves around Danni, a woman who appears to have it all: a blissful engagement to her ideal partner, David, and a dream job on the horizon. However, in a shocking twist during a pivotal moment, she dreams of a life with a different man, Aaron Gregory, which sets the stage for a rollercoaster of questionable decisions and, frankly, a lot of bad judgment.
One of the most frustrating elements for me was how the narrative teetered on the edge of intriguing but ultimately spiraled into absurdity. The dream Danni has should stir curiosity and reflection, but instead leads to a series of implausible scenarios that had me shaking my head in disbelief. The book tries to tackle themes of love, loss, and the meaning of ‘what if,’ but the execution felt muddled and left little room for genuine emotional engagement.
As I turned the pages, the pacing seemed disjointed. What could have been a thoughtful exploration of Danni and Bella’s friendship, alongside the turmoil of Danni’s romantic choices, was overshadowed by melodrama. I found myself asking: “Why is she making these choices?” and “Why isn’t anyone holding her accountable?” The writing, though clear and accessible, often felt like it was racing toward dramatic moments that didn’t feel earned. Danni’s arc, in particular, left much to be desired, as her character development came across as shallow and inconsistent.
Ultimately, the moments meant to tug at my heartstrings felt contrived, particularly Bella’s tragic illness. Rather than feeling poignant, it appeared unexpectedly inserted into the storyline. The juxtaposition of Danni’s romantic escapades while her best friend is suffering was shocking—almost to the point of being absurd. I rarely feel this frustrated with a book, but the unfolding drama made me question not only the authenticity of the characters but of the narrative as a whole.
While some may find this book a poignant reflection on life’s unpredictability, I felt it muddied the waters of an otherwise appealing premise with poor character development and dubious plot points. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend it to those seeking a thoughtful romance or deep character exploration. However, if you enjoy sensational plot twists that push the boundaries of emotional realism—this may just be your cup of tea.
In conclusion, while In Five Years sparked a whirlwind of thoughts and feelings, ultimately it left me dissatisfied and frustrated. It’s certainly an experience—but not one I’d recommend for heartwarming or meaningful reflections on life’s twists and turns. Perhaps those who revel in dramatic romance might enjoy it, but for me, it stands as a cautionary tale: sometimes, it’s best not to venture where you least expect to go.