In Five Years isn’t the book I thought it’d be. In a good way.
Everyone seemed to be reading this Rebecca Serle novel last year during quarantine, so I was excited to score a copy from my library as quickly as I did. I’d just read two heavy books back-to-back, and I wanted — nay, needed — a fun, breezy women’s fiction/romance to lighten up my mood.
Well. In Five Years was NOT the book to pick up for that. But, I’m glad I read it anyway.
You’ll race through this one in just a few days. The story, at first, seems like your quintessential rom-com, albeit with a magical realism twist: main character Dannie is momentarily transported into the future, taking her away from the night she lands her perfect job and perfect marriage proposal from her perfect boyfriend, and showing her a life she didn’t think would be possible in only five years. Dannie then spends the rest of the novel actively trying to avoid her five-years-from-now fate.
The beginning of In Five Years unfolds like most stories about women caught at a romantic crossroads. I actually thought the story was pretty predictable at first, calling a bunch of stuff well before it happened. Not that that’s a bad thing; sometimes you like a bit of predictability in a read.
Then Serle threw in a wicked, heart-shattering curveball, and the rest of the story was anything but what I expected.
Love stories between couples are nice, but love stories between friends really get to me. I love celebrating female friendship, and In Five Years tapped into all the ups, downs, joys, and heartaches that women share together.
The relationship between Dannie and her childhood best friend, Bella, drives the entire novel. Yes, the love story of Dannie and her fiancé is important, but it takes a backseat to the love story of Dannie and Bella. I love how well Serle captured their intricate and powerful relationship, in all its messy, joyful, emotional, and unconditional glory.
Just to warn you (because I wished someone had warned me) : In Five Years isn’t a light read. I can’t say much more about what happens in the book without giving too much away. If you’re looking for comparisons, think Something Borrowed meets Promises to Keep.
And, if you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh a little, cry a lot, and want to fiercely hug your best friend? Pick up In Five Years.
Be sure to check back in for my book-inspired recipe: Creamy Pesto Pasta.
