Beginner’s Greek
by James Collins
Published by Little Brown & Company
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Reviewed by Carrie Padgett
If you ever watch old romantic movies, sigh at the end, and think. “They don’t make them like that any more,” you’ll love Beginner’s Greek by James Collins. His debut novel is a gentle romance that believes good will win over evil, true love trumps lust, and justice will prevail.
Peter Russell wants to fall in love. He daydreams about the possibility as he boards a plane to California. His wish comes true when beautiful and nearly perfect Holly sits next to him, and they connect during the cross-country flight. After landing, Holly gives Peter her phone number but he promptly loses it. The universe has given him a taste of true love before snatching it away.
The story picks up a few years later, when Peter and Holly’s paths have crossed again but being together is no longer an option. Fate continues to conspire against the pair, always keeping them apart. When one is available, the other is not, and vice versa. Each believes their love is unrequited.
Beginner’s Greek is set in New York City and populated with characters rich and super rich. Collins obviously knows that world well and does a good job letting us normal folk have a peek. His characters are instantly recognizable as archetypes, yet still human and real.
Collins weaves several subplots together, and it’s gratifying to have all the threads entwined together and the loose ends tucked in for the requisite happy ending.
I enjoyed the story as much for what it didn’t have as for what it did. No graphic sex and restrained language made this book a treat for me. I’ve been inundated lately with stories that think I’m a voyeur and whose characters don’t know how to express a coherent thought without profanity.
Collins told his story without resorting to the crutches so many other authors rely on.
Armchair Interviews says: They don’t write them like this any more–Romantic. Gentle. Hopeful.