
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, July 16, 1994                   TAG: 9407270011
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: B-10   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Reviewed by LYNN ECKMAN
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

LIFE AFTER DEATH: HEALING AND HOPE

When tragedy strikes, it obliterates every other emotion, invading our minds and bodies, dominating our lives. Francine Pascal portrays that tenuous state with clarity and compassion in her latest novel.

After the death of the husband she adored, Anna Green flees to the south of France to mourn. Alone in a strange country, she tries to regain her former courage but without much success. Instead, she thinks of Nick, of their courtship and their too-short marriage. She feels alienated from friend who try to help, unable to work, frustrated by the French staff of the villa she has bought.

Following a long period of desolation and self absorption, Anna finally realizes that other people too have feelings. Once that idea takes root, she begins to heal. Despite its subject, ``If Wishes Were Horses ...'' contains amusing incidents and unpredictable situations as well as a ray of hope. Anna does survive.

Lynn Eckman teaches at Roanoke College.

by CNB