B+
Title: Maybe This Time
Author: Jennifer Crusie
Publication Info: St. Martin's 2010
ISBN: 978-0-312-30378
Genre: Contemporary/Other
A few weeks ago, I gave away ARCs of Jennifer Crusie’s Maybe This Time, and asked that, if the winners were so inclined, the lucky ARC-getters would send me their thoughts on the book.
Carrie was the first to send me her review, and I’m including it here – with a bonus at the bottom. See? It’s sometimes worth it to read all them there words.
I am still writing my review – it’s both a good thing and a bad thing that this book has given me so much to think about – but Carrie hits on a lot of the things I’ve been thinking about, too.
Maybe This Time, by Jennifer Crusie, is Crusie’s attempt to “fix” Henry James’ classic tale of horror, The Turn of the Screw. In The Turn of the Screw, a young, repressed, isolated governess attempts to protect her two charges from the ghosts of their previous governess and manservant. Crusie keeps the ghosts, but her governess, Andie, is tough, smart, liberated, unflappable, and surrounded by people whether she wants to be or not. Also, unlike the governess, Andie doesn’t need anybody’s approval and is totally outspoken about everything that happens. On her website, Crusie describes this as “a ghost story with a romance”, and readers should be aware that the actual romance is very much secondary to the story, although themes of loss, longing, and desire are central.
Maybe This Time opens with so many Crusie tropes that a drinking game is in order. Take one drink for each favorite accessory, i.e, Fiestaware, amaretto, butterflies; and chug for every returning character (Hi Gabe! Hi Simon! Love ya!). Andie herself has her own unique and wonderful personality, but is clearly a close relation of Min, Mare, and Agnes, of, respectively, Bet Me, The Unfortunate Miss Fortunes, and Agnes and the Hitman. All of these touches make the book feel familiar and safe, even a bit derivative – until the ghosts appear and the story turns into something completely unexpected.
There is no need to be familiar with Turn of the Screw to enjoy Maybe This Time, but it does explain why Crusie uses so many horror cliches to tell her story. Not a door goes uncreaked in the house which was been imported, brick by haunted brick, from England to rural Ohio. Some readers may experience this book as a fun lark, since it certainly contains ample touches of humor and hilarious chaos. Personally, I’m an easy scare. One good rocking chair rocking by itself sends me diving under the bedcovers. Also, I have a daughter about the same age as the little girl in the book, who looks and acts very much like the little girl, so the menace hit home at a very visceral way for me. I can honestly say that as soon as the ghost of Miss J appeared at the foot of the little girl’s bed, I was absolutely terrified until the book ended. But, my guess is that most readers are a bit (OK, a LOT) more hardened than I am. Also, I understood why Crusie used the trappings of gothic horror to tell her story, since she was trying to rework a gothic story. But by using so many cliches (the creepy house, the creepy housekeeper, the creepy – well, everything) the reader is very aware that this is just a story, and not a new one.
The romance aspect of the book involves Andie and her ex-husband, North. When the book opens, they have been divorced for ten years. Andie is about to remarry when North asks her to take care of two children who have been left in his care for one month. This will allow Andie to enter her new marriage debt-free and put some closure on what is clearly an unfinished love affair with North. Ta-da, situation set for romantic mayhem.
Andie and North are the old standby, opposites who attract. They married after knowing each other for only twelve hours (which consist mostly of sex) and they set up house in the attic of North’s family house. When North had to save the family law firm, he became a secretive workaholic, leaving free-spirited Andie basically trapped in the attic. Although Andie left the marriage, it’s clear that Andie and North are haunted, pun fully intended, by their memories of each other, a fact which one of the ghosts exploits. Does the romance work? Well, aspects of it do. The fact they still long for each other is made vividly clear, as is the fact that they have great sex. The problem is that we don’t get a good enough picture of what their happy times were like, other than that they involved sex and dancing, to see why they want to be together. The relationship doesn’t really build up in the present, either. I liked to see that they had both grown up and become more honest with each other, but there just wasn’t enough to hang a romance on. We know they are in love because they say so, and that’s it. They aren’t a bad couple, they just aren’t developed enough to make me invested in their relationship. Also, the culmination of the romance wasn’t that important to the plot. In a really successful romance, while the reader hopes that everything will be fine for everyone, the reader really cares first and foremost about the fate of the main couple. But in this book, it was nice that Andie and North got together and all, but what I really cared about was whether the kids were safe and the ghost eliminated.
Like every other Crusie book, much of the joy of the story comes from its richly drawn and hilarious characters. Andie is a joy to spend time with, and I warmed to North as soon as he sent Andie a new oven so she could bake without scorching the cookies. The moms are fun characters in their own right, but they also serve as parallels for Andie and North. Andie’s mom wears Iron Maiden T-Shirts, and North’s mom wears impeccable suits, but neither mom has any patience with stupidity, self-destructiveness, or boundaries. The kids are well-written, although I was sure the little girl is six, until I re-read the book and saw that she is eight. She sure would make a dead-on six year old, as I should know, since I have one who bears an eerie resemblance to the one in the book, right down to the sparkle fetish and the temper tantrums. I also enjoyed the medium, Isolde, and the skeptic, Dennis (Jennifer, is that a Whedon shout-out? Because, if so, good one!). Sadly, Andie’s fiancee and an evil reporter are one-dimensional and serve only to introduce extra conflict to the book.
In short, Maybe This Time is the classic example of the whole being more than the sum of its parts. I read this book, flipped back to the beginning, and read it again just for fun. I loved the humor, the tension, the imagery, the crazy cast of characters, and the themes. For pure enjoyment, I’d give it an A. However, the book may disappoint lovers of the paranormal in it’s use of cliche, and it may disappoint romance readers because the romance is secondary to the ghost story. I loved the book and would read it again and again, but I wish it had gone a little deeper and maybe even a little darker. Maybe North shouldn’t have replaced the old oven, so that Andie was beset by a house that fought her attempts to domesticate it by burning all the cookies. Maybe this should have been a story in which the real life lovers have to let go of the memory of their love, just as the ghosts have to let go of the desires and needs they had when they were alive. But then we wouldn’t have our happy ending, and we might as well read Turn of the Screw instead. I did re-read it after I read Crusie’s version, and I don’t know which one has more merit as Lasting Literature, but I can tell you that I’d rather read the Crusie story any day!
Jennfer Crusie quote from: http://www.jennycrusie.com/books/fiction/maybe-this-time/
You want a copy? Thinking hardcovers are outside the budget right now? No worries. I have 8 hardbacks and a postage scale in my dining room (which is sign #253 that you might be a blogger). Just leave me a comment here and tell me why you want to try to read this book, and yes, your review would be welcome after you’ve read it, should you be so inclined. Contest ends midnight Sunday 29 August 2010. I’ll pick eight winners, and announce them next week.
Standard disclaimer: no, I am not possessed. No, I am not being compensated for this giveaway. Yes, I do spend a lot of money on postage. Yes, I have my own postage scale and stamp printer, which I love even more than my luggage and my microwave. Yes, I do believe in life after love. No, I do not have a first aid kit handy. Yes, I remember that one time at band camp.
I love the ghosties. I never read The Turn of the Screw because, blech, Henry James so a reworking is more for me. Also I’ve only read one Crusie.
verification word is over32. Yes, I am over 32. Is that the age requirement? 😉
This book sounds pretty good, I could read the peanuts out of it~ I don’t believe I’ve ever read Cruisie before, it could be an eye-opening experience? … And I want to read a book with a character named North.
I’d love to have a copy of MTT—and while I am no longer a starving college student, I still have the budget of one. 😉
Thanks for the wonderful review. With this I know more of what I’m getting into, although it just increases my curiosity. I haven’t been crazy about all of JC’s collaborations, but I have great hopes that this will bring me back to love-love-loving Crusie.
Welcome to Temptation was one of the first romances I ever read – probably one of the very first contemporary ones I ever liked. Bet Me is in my top 20 all time favorite romances. I own most JC books, and confess that I even enjoyed her writing w/a partner (Agnes was a fun book). I don’t buy books much anymore due to financial issues, but would love to win this one just the same!
I would absolutely love to have a copy of this book, specially as it’s due to release on my BIrthday. I want to read it as I’ve been a fan of Jennifer Crusie for years (and even had a chance to meet her several years ago, she’s a lovely person), but just don’t have the funds for a hardback book right now.
Hey, I’d like to read this! Agnes and the Hitman is one of my favorites, btw!
Why me? Because I *love* good Crusie books. (Bet Me is my go-to book for comfort reading; I’m actually re-reading it right now.) Because I’ve read and actually enjoyed “The Turn of the Screw” – I have yet to make up my mind whether the ghosts in that story are real or creations of an unreliable narrator. Because I will write (and look forward to writing) a review of the book for you. Because I am fortunate enough to have this comment come up in a random-number generator.
I would love to win a copy of this book as I havent read a Crusie book in awhile and this one sounds a bit different than she ususally writes. I have read many of her other books and have really enjoyed them.
Have a great weekend.
I would love the chance to read it. I have been wanting to read one of her books for a while. And a book with a creepy house, romance, ghosts, and the works sounds like a great one to start with.
I’d love to read this book because I only JUST re-discovered Jennifer Crusie; I hadn’t been able to get very far into ‘Agnes and the Hitman’, but I bought ‘Bet Me’ a couple of weeks ago because it came so highly recommended, and I’m so glad I did—it sucked me in and has made me want to take a second crack at ‘Agnes’ now, heh.
I’m a wuss when it comes to scary stories, though, but it sounds like I might be able to handle this one, 🙂
I’ve read one Jennifer Crusie so far and enjoyed it, but for me the true draw is the ghost story, as I’m a paranormal devotee. A well done ghost story with romance by a solid author? Count me in!
I would love a chance to read this book – I’m a long-time Crusie fan and this sounds right up my alley (interestingly spooky, but not *too* scary). from bits I’ve read, Andie is greatly appealing and I can’t wait to ‘meet’ her
Why me? Because sob sob, although it was available on amazon locally, it’s now totally out of stock and I am a complete Crusie slut plus I love Henry James. I’ve been following Jenny Crusie’s blog on this one and I am longing to read it. Plus I’m a teacher and about to re-enter the fray and need rewards and treats…please please send me a copy: it would make the beginning of the academic year one to remember.
Oooh, I hope I win a copy so I can read this book sooner rather than later (darn you small book budget!). I love ghost stories and I love Jennifer Crusie so I am very much looking forward to this story. And it’s been FAR too long since Crusie has given us an original story of her very own. I’ve missed her!
I would love to get my hands on an original Crusie story. I haven’t really loved anything of hers since “Agness and the Hitman”; this could be my way back to an author that I revere. Darned small book budget doesn’t allow for hbs, so I’d have to wait for my local library to get a copy, hopefully before the pb is out!
Totally want this book as I love Crusie stuff. Very much looking forward to it.
And I’d say something about the review but I’m not reading it till after the book. I’m very wary of even tiny spoilers for my favorite authors. 🙂
This sounds so different and interesting, would love to read it. My favorite book of Crusie’s is Bet Me, so would like to read about a similar heroine.
Band camp? Me, too! What instrument did you play? Clarinet for me. I met my husband through band, so I am sa fan of school bands, although it’s been years and years.
…that’s A fan of school bands, not sa fan. Sorry.
I would love to win this book because I love Jennifer’s books, love a story with a ghost, the storyline sounds v.g., I love finding a book in my mailbox and lastly what I save on not having to buy this book, I could buy a few others.
Thanks for your generoisty in offering up all these books. My fingers are tightly crossed, will watch with bated breath for the winners, in hoping to see my name there.
This was a review that made me want to read the book. Great job, Carrie!!
I need this book. Need it, I say! In four weeks, I will be going back to college to finally finish my Bachelor’s degree. I’ll be about a million years older than all my classmates, so I’ll be in desperate need of distraction. Also, I’m poor because my position at work got the axe and I still haven’t found a new job. Have pity! 😉
I’m a huge fan of Crusie’s novels and this one is definitely on my TBR list!
Like everyone else, I’d love to get a copy of this book. I’m an avowed Cruise fan (both of books and her writing seminars) but the books with Mayer weren’t my favorite, though loyalty had me buying them all. I’ve very much looked forward to a new stand-alone title from her. Crusie is pretty much the only hardcover I put out for anymore, but it would be nice not to have too – hint, hint, nudge, nudge. Will be spending release day driving to PA at the crack of oh-my-God-it’s-early to shuttling my grandfather to the VA clinic in center city Philadelphia so he can get a motor scooter with my mother and aunt in the back seat adding commentary. Would be great to have MAYBE THIS TIME and a huge honking glass of flavored alcohol waiting for me at the end.
Great review! Makes me want to read the book even more.
I want a copy because:
I love Crusie’s writing.
Crusie is one of my perennial re-read authors – in fact I am currently in the middle of a cycle of re-reading her books and a new one would make a perfect ending.
I lurve Crusie’s writing.
Buying it locally would bean paying double what it would cost in an American bookshop.
I’d like to review a new book on my blog for a change.
Did I mention that I lurve Crusie’s writing?
Love Crusie; iffy on ghost stories.
Maybe she will take me to the other side, so to speak.
First solo Crusie in years and years? OH yeah I’m there! (Been reading her blog along the way—love watching a book come into existence.)
Wooo second chance!
I’d like to read this story because the premise intrigues me (hence I entered the first contest). And after reading Carrie’s review I find I’m even more intrigued.
Word: Kept82. I’m pretty sure I’ve kept more than 82 books.
Great review, Carrie!
I’ve been looking forward to this book as it’s Jennifer Crusie’s first solo effort for a while. I’m also interested to read of the paranormal elements (ghosts) in this one as many of her books don’t have such elements, except for “The Unfortunate Miss Fortunes”, “Dogs and Goddesses”, and “Wild Ride” (which are all co-written). Basically, I can’t wait! So, I ‘d love to win a copy!
I would love a copy of the book and would be happy to review it!
I’d like to read it because it seems that Crusie is really changing a bit of her style. I’m not sure if I like it or not. I just read wild ride and while I liked it, I perfer her romance. It’d be nice to see her without Mayer’s influence writing in this “new” style (genre?)
I want a copy, because I don’t want to wait until my name comes up on the library request list. The review totally sold me on it (oooh, gothic – and I love Crusie anyhow).
Cant wait to read it..but I rely on my local library and it will be months before they get it!
I read Turn of the Screw in college and wasn’t a huge fan of it, but if anyone could make me love that story it would be a Crusie retelling. Even stories that don’t totally hit the mark with me are better than most of what’s out there these days. Please please please pick me 🙂
I want to read this book because your comments, as well as Carrie’s, are intriguing. I am an avid Henry James’ fan, but The Turnign of the Screw has never been one of my favorite stories. I’m curious if this modern updating of it would be more to my liking.
I have also not yet read a book by Jennifer Crusie, and am interested in discovering whether or not I would regard this book in the same way as you and Carrie when I am not, in general, very big on reading romance.
I’d love a copy of this because I have yet to read a Jennifer Crusie book and feel like I’m missing out. Please help me lose my JC virginity? 😉
That should have read:
Even CRUSIE stories that don’t totally hit the mark with me are better than most of what’s out there these days.
Forgive me for my enthusiasm to comment before deadline!
I have been slavering over the idea of this book ever since Jenny started talking about it, and the fact that she’s posted the first two chapters online is making it even worse! AND my library isn’t planning to carry it!
It’s got everything I love: gothic trappings, Crusie humor and breathless style, romance…
You can’t imagine how happy I’d be if I won this giveaway! 🙂
I would love to read this book. I love anything paranormal and I actually remember reading (and loving) the original Turn of the Screw. I must confess though, I have never read a Jennifer Crusie book (gasp!) and this one sounds like a good one to start with.
Spam word…firm26…yup, I was pretty firm back then…now, not so much.
I’d like to read the book because my BFF loaned me a Jennifer Crusie a long time ago and while I enjoyed it I always forget or neglect to pick up more of her books when I’m out looking. I could send it on to the BFF when I’m done and we’d be square.
I want to read this book because I’ve never read any Jennifer Cruise, and everyone who comments on this sight seems to really enjoy her books. That right there is a sign the author is worth reading.
I was one of the other winners and have read and enjoyed MTT. I’d say Carrie’s review is pretty spot on. I thought the book overall was a very enjoyable read. I did however, not feel as invested in the couples romance as I’d have liked. I’d recommend it to anyone and think it deserved the B+ on the whole.