Rebecca Too

Rebecca Too by G. M. Lupo is an ingeniously plotted novel with wonderfully sculpted characters. It is August 2010 and Alyssa Caine's world is falling apart. Her father dies of a heart attack while golfing and it is not long before Alyssa learns that her friend, Rebecca Asher, died in a car accident. She hasn't seen Alyssa for many years and her heart breaks to know she died shortly after their last meeting. On her wedding anniversary, Alyssa crashes her minivan as she attempts to avoid an accident. She wakes up at the hospital days later and says she is Rebecca. Her estranged sister, Leah, is stunned and sets out to unravel the mystery about Rebecca. Why will her estranged sister want to be Rebecca and can she bring her back to herself?

G. M. Lupo is a great storyteller who brings characters to life in this mesmerizing tale. The compelling premise is quickly introduced and readers want to know what happens next to the characters as they watch Tim Caine, Alyssa's husband, at a loss over what to make of an accident happening on their wedding anniversary. The author explores the relationships, especially one between Leah and Alyssa, with superior skill. The dialogues are terrifically written, at times mind-boggling and exciting. They are filled with drama. A perfect example is a scene at the hospital when Rebecca sits up, watches the nurse exit, and wonders what is happening as a blonde girl watches with fascination. Hear the ensuing exchange:

“Who are you?” Rebecca says.

“I am you as you are me,” the blonde girl says, then giggles.

“What does that mean?” Rebecca says.

From all around them, a woman’s voice booms, “Aly, that’s no way to behave. She really doesn’t know why she’s here.”

Rebecca Too is a delightful read with a unique plot structure, intelligently crafted to leave readers guessing what can happen next. G. M. Lupo creates complex characters and weaves realism into the writing, a finely crafted page-turner that delivers a compelling examination of a character going through a traumatic experience and a sister's quest for answers. This author has mastery of the economy of words and knows how well never to waste a single one.