Book Review: In Five Years by Rebecca Serle
When I first picked up In Five Years by Rebecca Serle, I was intrigued by its premise. The idea of a woman, Danni, getting a glimpse of her future life and grappling with the direction of her choices is captivating. Plus, it’s been praised by many readers, so I thought I might discover a hidden gem. Instead, I found myself ensnared in one of the most exasperating reading experiences of my life.
At its core, In Five Years tackles the unpredictability of life and the paths we take. Danni is introduced as a woman living what appears to be a "perfect" life: a loving fiancé, a promising career, and a seemingly bright future. But then comes the twist; a dream catapults her into a future with a different partner. What follows is a convoluted tale that stretches believability to its limits.
The writing style is fluid, making it easy to zip through the pages. However, the pacing is erratic. One moment you’re engrossed in emotional turmoil, and the next, a wholly unrealistic plot twist disrupts the flow. For example, Danni’s actions regarding her best friend Bella and her fiancé Aaron are bewildering at best, and they quickly descend into territory that feels less like fiction and more like a soap opera gone awry.
What truly left me baffled were the choices the characters made, particularly Danni’s betrayal of Bella. While I understand that a book about choice and consequence can take dramatic turns, the sequence of events felt jarring and disrespectful to the very real issues of love, fidelity, and friendship. As Bella’s health deteriorates, it becomes painful to witness Danni’s infidelity—especially knowing that a character so close to Bella is so flippant in the face of genuine heartbreak.
One passage that struck me was when Danni reflects on the life she thought she wanted versus the life that unfolds before her. It’s a poignant idea, beautifully expressed, but the weight of the narrative undermines its potential. Instead of a thoughtful exploration, it descends into melodrama.
I find myself frustrated and perplexed by the lack of critical response to the ethical gray areas in the book. While some may find joy in the romantic undercurrents, I couldn’t help but see them as problematic, overshadowing any emotional depth Serle may have intended.
Despite my overwhelming disappointment, there may still be readers who can appreciate this story, particularly those who enjoy tales of unexpected twists and complex emotions. If you’re a fan of romances that take shocking turns or if you thrive on emotional conflict, perhaps In Five Years will resonate with you in ways it certainly didn’t for me.
In conclusion, this book was an exercise in patience. While I applaud Rebecca Serle’s ambition in tackling themes of love, fate, and the unpredictable nature of life, the execution fell flat for me, leaving a sour taste that I doubt I’ll forget anytime soon. If you’re curious, approach it with caution and perhaps with an open mind—just be prepared for a journey that might challenge your views on friendship and fidelity.