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Chasing Lightning
Façades A Novel by Alex Marcoux

Have about two or three hours of your life to give away doing nothing but being lost in a good book? Then get ready to do exactly that minutes after you pick up this one! Façades, by newcomer Alex Marcoux, is one of the best new novels I have had the pleasure of reading in a long time! From the moment I picked up the book, I found myself simply fascinated with the characters Marcoux brought to life within the pages, transfixed with the skillfully woven storyline, and didn't put it down until several hours later!

The core character, Sidney Marcum, personal manager extraordinaire, is a dynamo. Smart, driven, hot shot professional with a fiercely guarded past, Sidney exudes a sort of bitchiness attributed to strong, powerful women. However, anyone with a little bit of insight can see it is nothing but a "facade," created to ward off the most prying eyes. Yet Marcoux wisely doesn't give it to you all at once. She draws you into the web of Sidney's life, making you turn the pages, delving deeper into Sidney's psyche, her angst, the hidden secrets of her past. Marcoux skillfully segues past events of Sidney's life with present moments, much like Rita Mae Brown did so well with Six of One, another of this writer's favorites.

At first glance, the character of Anastasia appears to be an out-of-control star with a secret life ready to implode her career. She appears a bit spoiled and wimpy, not someone very endearing at the beginning. Her rough-and-tumble girlfriend, Stephanie, is so incredibly grating that I instantly disliked her, even though she was a "real" lesbian rocker in true rock star fashion—brash, abrasive, hard-drinkin' and fast livin'. One even wonders how someone as "hot" and marketable as Anastasia is supposed to be, could even be with someone so stereotypically white trailer trash. One supposes there is no accounting for taste at times.

Therein, however, lies the rub.

Anastasia, for all her stardom and bravado, also has a hidden secret; a back story that draws you in as well. The expected romantic tension between Sidney and Anastasia makes for great reading. Will they? Won't they? Do they even know how they feel about themselves, let alone one another? Even though a potential romance between the two wasn't an unexpected plotline, getting there is definitely the best part. Marcoux has written an intricately woven back story, detailing Sidney's life and transformation into the woman she is today, as well as bringing a little insight into Anastasia's past and current situation. The back story definitely pulls at your heartstrings, and you find yourself rooting for these women as the story grows.

The cast of other characters is rich and well-written. Many first-time novelists forget about the supporting cast, but not Marcoux. Natalie is a rock. Great friend to Sidney, always there in a pinch and not afraid to speak her mind. Stephanie, although very dislikable, is a great antagonist, as is the despicable ex-husband, Michael Whitman. The character of Charlie is simply unforgettable, will touch your heart, and brings a bit of other-worldliness to the book. Full-bodied and robust, these extraneous characters are a joy to encounter.

Not only has Marcoux written an entertaining novel, but she managed to put in a few good lessons about domestic violence—not only in heterosexual, but homosexual relationships as well, and also comments on the former Amendment 2 Colorado fought over a few years ago. Without being preachy, Marcoux teaches the reader that "traditional family values" has little to do with the family of today, and what makes a family isn't a husband, wife, two kids and a dog.

If you're looking for an entertaining way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon, curling up with Alex Marcoux's Façades is the way to do it.

Rating: (on a scale of 1-5, with one being poor and five as excellent)
Façades

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Alex Marcoux was born and raised in Leominster, MA. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1981. She presently resides in the foothills of Colorado with her partner and son. Visit Alex's website at www.alexmarcoux.com Other titles by Alex Marcoux Back to Salem

Façades Author: Alex Marcoux Category: Drama, romance Paperback: 316 pages Published: April 2001 ISBN: 1560232056 Retail: $13.96 Publisher: Alice Street Editions Click here to buy FACADES

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