Review: The Resurrection of Tess Blessing by Lesley Kagen

• Paperback: 386 pages
• Publisher: SparkPress (a BookSparks imprint); 1 edition (December 9, 2014)
• ISBN-13: 978-1940716558
• Source: Publisher

When forty-nine year old Tess is diagnosed with breast cancer, she instantly assumes the worst.  Convinced her death is imminent, she creates a to-do list of items to complete before she dies.   Reuniting with her sister, finding a therapist for her daughter, and saving her marriage are just a few items that make the list.  Narrating this journey is Grace, an imaginary friend/guardian angel/part of Tess’ subconscious who provides Tess with the push and motivation she needs to complete the items on her list.

When I read the premise of this book. I was intrigued.  However, when I started reading, my response dramatically changed.  The main character, Tess, has been dealt a difficult life. She had a terrible childhood and still suffers psychologically from the effects of that mental abuse.  I understand and sympathize with her, I do. Yet I spent a large part of my reading of this book so frustrated at Tess’ low self-esteem and worth. I’m a strong woman. That’s not to say I don’t have my own battles, we all do. However, I was so frustrated by this and her inability to stand up for herself that I found my attention wavering.  Additionally, the change in narration and style of writing prevented me from becoming invested in this story.

While I haven’t experienced breast cancer personally, I do have friends who have.  So, when Tess has surgery or chemo and is up & running around the next day with little difficulty, this novel lost authenticity.  The main character has breast cancer. She’s going through chemotherapy.  Sure, it’s not a positive experience but certainly not one that should be glossed over or sugar-coated.

Despite all of this, I kept reading, hoping the ending would be the payoff I needed to make my read of this worth it. And…not so much. While Tess’s character did make some strides to stand up for herself, I still felt she was the same character she was when the book started. Yes, her life fell into place.  How much of that was luck rather than her own doing?

I know there are women out there struggling with all sorts of issues and problems in their lives. I have a fairly normal, happy life. Is this why I couldn’t connect? Looking at other reviews of this title, others rave about how profound it is, how uplifting and moving it is.  Am I the oddball out?

I’m not going to tell you not to read this novel. Reading is an individual experience, everyone has their own very different reaction to a book. Honestly, though, this one just didn’t do it for me.

How about you? Did you read this novel and have a different experience?