Scepticism turns to pleasure when reading If You Could See Me Now (2006, Hyperion Books, New York, 307 pages), an enjoyable, sentimental and sometimes amusing novel by Cecelia Ahern. This accomplished young author, still in her mid 20s, is the daughter of Ireland’s prime minister, Bertie Ahern.
One reaches for this book while suspicious that the author may have gained undeserved fame from her link to a powerful poltician. Such concerns soon vanish.
More than competent, Cecelia Ahern tells a delightful tale that blends the fantasy worlds of children and adults in a way likely to please readers of all ages. Walt Disney has gained the movie rights.
Protagonist Elizabeth Egan strives for an orderly routine, which eludes her thanks to troubled relatives and the pitfalls of small-town life. When her six-year-old nephew Luke introduces “an invisible adult friend” named Ivan, Elizabeth senses the newcomer’s presence, then sees and befriends him, because she too badly needs his help.
“She was tired of hugging pillows, counting on blankets for warmth, and reliving romantic moments only in her dreams. She was tired of hoping that every day would hurry so she could get on to the next. Hoping that it would be a better day, an easier day. But it never was.”
The mysterious Ivan’s puzzled too. “I work with children,” he tells her. “I help them, you see. Well, it used to be just children, but now it seems we’re branching out…. I think….”
Will Elizabeth’s romantic yearnings for Ivan worsen matters? Since childhood, she’s struggled to master her emotions and to find happiness. How does a mystery man hailing from obscure Ekam Eveileb (Make Believe spelled backwards) improve her situation?
The author shows powerful insights and a knack for details. With Elizabeth deep in thought, readers join her in staring into a coffee cup. She swirls its contents and watches the liquid “as it swished around, hitting the sides and spraying up like the sea against the cliffs of Slea Head”.
Some critics may dismiss the book as too light-hearted and fanciful. Readers reluctant to embrace magical imaginary friends may scoff.
But as Ivan says: “Imaginary friend, invisible friend, call us what you like. Maybe you believe in us, maybe you don’t. It’s not important. Like most people who do truly great work, we don’t exist to be talked about and praised; we exist only to serve the needs of those who need us.”
Glimmers of wisdom appear: “When you drop a glass or a plate to the ground, it makes a loud crashing sound. When a window shatters, a table leg breaks, or a picture falls off the wall, it makes a noise. But as for your heart, when that breaks, it’s completely silent. You would think as it’s so important it would make the loudest noise in the whole world….”
Some readers may rush out in search of the Dublin-based author’s two earlier novels: PS, I Love You and Love, Rosie. They’ll reflect happily on Cecelia Ahern’s early success, savoring the prospect for many more books.
Approval rating: 78 per cent.
For more information: www.HyperionBooks.com
(April 13, 2007)
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