Almost Paradise

Susan Isaacs

4/22/1999

Jane Heissenhuber grew up in Cincinnati in a working class neighborhood. Her stepmother detested her and her father followed her stepmother's suggestions. The only love she knew as a child after her mother died was from her younger brother. When she went to college, she went to Pembroke in New York.

Nicholas Cobleigh came from a rich, eccentric family in New York. His mother was always busy with causes. His lawyer father was a spy in the war when Nick was younger and busy with his work as Nick grew up. He was brought up in high class New York society. At time for college, he went to the family school, Brown University.

In the 50's and 60's, Brown and Pembroke were attached, the male and female versions of the colleges. Jane and Nick met off and on throughout their years there, but did not become friends until they were both seniors. They married almost as soon as school was finished. They then were newlywed actors. She gave up her summer job to join him. She knew he had natural talent and could go far.

This is a complex, textured story, no simple romance tale. Their families are examined before we learn too much about Nicholas and Jane. Then the book covers their first twenty or so years of marriage...their children, their homes, their failures, their arguments, their successes, and their celebrations. It is fascinating to follow their lives. Be prepared to get involved.

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Notice: Explicit sexual situations