The Space Between Dreaming: A Novel

In Cherie Burbach's profoundly moving novel, The Space Between Dreaming, readers are invited into a world where grief, hope, and the search for identity coexist. The narrative follows two main characters, Grace and Jane, each dealing with their struggles and desires in the backdrop of love and loss. The dual narratives, alternating between Grace and Jane's perspectives, enrich the story with emotional depth and psychological complexity that resonate deeply.

Grace, grappling with the heartache of infertility and the lingering shadow of her troubled childhood, finds solace in her husband John’s art. His creations become a place, an escape, and a mirror, reflecting the pain and longing embedded in their lives. Burbach expertly weaves Grace’s internal conflicts regarding motherhood and her tumultuous relationship with her mother into the story's fabric. The painting “The Space Between Dreaming, a pivotal element in the narrative, symbolizes Grace’s struggles—the longing for connection and the fear of abandonment. On the other hand, Jane represents a different journey—faced with an unfulfilling career and a stunted romantic relationship. Her story explores themes of self-discovery and the courage to confront one’s unhappiness. Through her budding friendship with Grace and her encounters with Eric, Jane begins to genuinely face her desires and the societal expectations placed upon her. Burbach’s portrayal of Jane’s internal dialogue is both relatable and compelling, capturing the anxiety many feel when faced with life’s uncertainties. 

Burbach’s prose is crisp and accessible, drawing readers into the emotional landscapes of her characters. The vivid descriptions of John’s artwork seamlessly interweave with the characters’ journeys, making the paintings feel alive and integral to the story. Cherie Burbach has the gift of writing genuine relationships, infusing the writing with details about how the characters feel. The characters are genuinely flawed and elaborately written. Each character is sculpted with a rich background. For instance, Grace grows up in foster care and lacks a connection with her mother. The fact that she struggles with infertility makes her story even more compelling. She is broken at many levels, and readers want to see something beautiful happen in her life. While The Space Between Dreaming explores complex themes, it delivers moments of fun and hope, mainly through the supportive relationships between the characters. The encouragement from their interactions reminds us of the importance of connection in overcoming life’s challenges. This novel is a beautifully crafted exploration of sorrow and the transformative power of art. Cherie Burbach invites readers to reflect on their lives as they follow Grace and Jane, two sophisticated and unforgettable characters. It was a pure delight reading this novel, an emotionally rich story with characters that feel like the next neighbor.