Five Days by Douglas Kennedy is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the choices that shape our lives. The novel focuses on Laura, a 41-year-old radiology technician in Maine, whose life is defined by routine and the emotional weight of an unfulfilled marriage. Laura’s deep introspection is set against the backdrop of her caring but stagnant relationship with her husband, Dan, and their grown children, who are on the verge of independence.
When Laura attends a medical conference in Boston, she unexpectedly meets Richard, a charismatic insurance salesman facing his own midlife crossroads. Over the course of five days, their connection grows, challenging Laura to confront her unspoken desires, suppressed dreams, and the possibility of a different future.
Kennedy delves into themes of regret, rediscovery, and the fragility of happiness, portraying a raw and honest look at what it means to seize the opportunity for change. The story is both a reflection on modern relationships and a meditation on how seemingly small decisions can lead to monumental shifts.
