By 
Bonnie Friedman, the Author of “Don’t Stop” writes an intriguing and captivating story. The Genres for this story are Women’s Domestic Life, Women’s Contemporary Fiction, and Literary Fiction. The author vividly describes her colorful, dramatic, complex and conflicted characters. The female protagonist, Ina is a 41 year old scholar, married to a very nice ambitious man. Ina is at the age where the clock is ticking and she wonders if she and her husband should have children. Ina is obligated to finish a paper on Eugene O’Neill for her university. Ina feels that something is missing from her life or marriage. Her husband is not very affectionate or passionate, and Ina is at a stage at her life where she would love to experience passion, and explore spontaneous and erotic sex. When she meets an interesting man, she decides that the opportunity will be a good means for her research, and yet serve her personal growth. Ina’s intention is to keep this informal, and just to be a flirtation, but it graduates to a more intense relationship, which she keeps secret from her husband. Ina’s new lover starts wanting her to change her appearance, wear more makeup, and certain clothing. He likes to take pictures. Ina is both alarmed and turned on by these requests.
I appreciate how the author describes Ina’s need for experimentation. The author also brings up the expectations for marriage, and if one needs professional help, they should seek it. There are betrayals, secrets, twists and turns, and some surprises in this story, which I highly recommend. Showing personal growth and making moral decisions are also mentioned. Do you think Ina finds her happiness?
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