Danielle Steel’s “Resurrection” aims to explore personal transformation amidst unexpected upheavals. Set against the backdrop of a sudden health crisis, this novel follows Darcy Gray, a Manhattan influencer, as she navigates a shock in her marriage and the complexities of isolation in Paris. While the story possesses Steel’s signature emotional appeal, it is marred by repetitiveness and a lack of depth.**
Plot and Characters:
Darcy Gray, a popular blogger, leads a seemingly ideal life with her husband Charles and their twin daughters studying abroad. Her surprise visit to Rome to celebrate their twentieth anniversary unravels into a devastating revelation. Escaping to Paris to see her daughter Zoe, Darcy finds herself stranded due to a global health emergency. Her forced stay with Sybille Carton, a former French movie star, and the mysterious Bill Thompson, a stranded American engineer, leads her to reevaluate her life and discover new possibilities amidst the chaos.
Steel’s portrayal of Darcy captures the emotional turmoil of a woman confronting betrayal and isolation. Her development is central to the story, showing a journey of resilience and self-discovery. The interactions with Sybille and Bill provide warmth and offer Darcy new perspectives.
Strengths:
- Emotional Resonance: Steel excels in depicting Darcy’s emotional journey, making her struggles and eventual growth relatable. The author’s skill in evoking feelings of heartbreak, hope, and resilience is evident throughout the novel.
- Romantic and Engaging: The budding relationship between Darcy and Bill adds an element of romance and hope, which balances the otherwise somber tone of the story. Their evolving connection is a highlight, providing a sense of potential and new beginnings.
- Intriguing Characters: Sybille Carton’s character adds depth to the narrative, serving as a mentor figure and offering wisdom and comfort to Darcy during her time of need.
Weaknesses:
- Repetitive Narrative: The story suffers from excessive repetition, with key points and character insights reiterated multiple times. This undermines the narrative’s impact, making parts of the novel feel redundant and slow.
- Inaccurate Depiction of Health Crisis: The portrayal of the pandemic-like scenario is superficial and lacks realism. The inaccuracies in depicting preventative measures and the virus’s nature detract from the story’s credibility and relevance.
- Predictable Plot: The plot follows a familiar trajectory found in many of Steel’s novels. Themes of betrayal, self-discovery, and rekindled romance are presented without fresh twists, leading to predictability and a sense of formulaic storytelling.
- Shallow Supporting Characters: While Darcy is well-developed, other characters, including her husband and daughters, are not explored in depth. They serve more as plot devices rather than fully fleshed-out individuals, limiting the novel’s richness.
Final Thought:
Resurrection showcases Danielle Steel’s strengths in emotional storytelling and character-driven narratives. Darcy’s journey through betrayal and isolation, and her discovery of new possibilities in Paris, provides a poignant exploration of personal growth. However, the novel’s repetitiveness, lack of realistic depth regarding the health crisis, and predictable plot hinder its overall effectiveness.
It is poorly researched in so many ways… She references ‘social distancing’ often as a preventative action but never once mentions that viruses… are often airborne.
Fans of Steel’s previous works may appreciate the familiar themes and romantic elements, but new readers might find it less engaging due to its flaws.
Recommended for: Long-time fans of Danielle Steel who enjoy character-focused narratives with emotional and romantic elements.
