In Between Men-San Culberson

In Between Men
San Culberson
Dafina, Dec 2007, $14.00
ISBN: 9780758215222

Hope and Ray Williams are raising three children while both work full time jobs. Whereas Hope is a bank supervisor, Ray would prefer she stayed home as they do not need her income to live comfortably even as a family of five; he wants her to be a housewife and full time mother. She admits to herself the job is not fulfilling, but has doubts about staying home 24/7 as that sounds even less satisfying though she loves her family.

A friend introduces Hope and Anthony to one another. Unlike her spouse who grouches a lot about her job, Anthony is kind and caring and makes Hope feel life is good; he fills her with hope. However, their friendship changes when they make love; Anthony wants more of her demanding she dump her husband and three kids for him. He has brought a smile back into her life, but Hope wonders if the price is right or is it with dependable Ray.

This an interesting character study of a woman pulled in two opposite directions with each pole having attractors and detractors. Whereas Anthony makes her feel good, her family needing her makes her feel as good if not better. On the other hand her family’s needs at times are wearying while Anthony’s demand to move on frightens and excites her. San Culberson provides a strong look at a woman who must choose between men that is if her spouse even gives her a ray of hope that he still wants them together.

Harriet Klausner