"The Dilemma" by B.A. Paris is a family drama that grabs you and keeps you turning the pages. What is the history of this family? Who is right and who is wrong? Or is there any wrong or right? Are things more complicated than that?
Livia and Adam fell in love at a young age and planned to get married someday. But then Livia becomes pregnant much to the dismay of her parents. They refuse to have anything else to do with Livia. The lavish wedding she thought she would have becomes a hurried event with only Adam’s family in attendance along with Jess and Nelson who are their best friends.
Livia becomes a stay-at-home mother while Adam becomes a wood carpenter. They have two children, Josh and Marnie, who are both grown up now. Since Livia couldn’t have the wedding she desired, she has planned for years to have a lavish party for her 40th birthday. Marnie can’t come because she is studying in Hong Kong.
You would think Livia would be upset that her daughter can’t attend the party that has loomed large for years. But Livia is secretly happy that she won’t be there as she has recently learned a secret about Marnie. Livia is keeping this secret from Adam. But surprise! Adam has a secret of his own. He made special arrangements for Marnie to be there. His secret is then topped off with another secret as Adam learns some news of his own about Marnie. Should he tell Livia or should he let her enjoy her day as it may be the last happy day she will have? Both Livia and Adam will pay a price to keep their secrets.
Adam tries to be a thoughtful husband even though he is not as invested in this party as Livia is. He writes to her estranged parents, inviting them to the party. Livia feels that this is the last chance for her and her parents to reconnect. This side-story is a nice little addition to the book.
The Dilemma is told through chapters that switch narrators between Livia and Adam. This form allows you to see both sides of the story and gives extra insight to their thoughts and feelings. Both characters are well developed. The book keeps you engaged and is a great read!