Coincidence
by David Ambrose is part mystery and part science fiction dealing with the
nature of reality as well as the ultimate mystery of life. It asks the
intriguing question – what if what one perceives as reality is not really real
after all?

Coincidence
is set in contemporary New York City. George Daly, is a not terribly successful
writer about supernatural phenomena. 
His latest writing project is on the phenomenon of coincidence. George
has decided to make this one personal and write about his own experience of
coincidence based upon a theory he once read that stated that by simply being
interested in coincidences and looking for them, one will begat them. When
George’s father dies, George discovered a photograph album detailing what looks
like his childhood, but in places and with people he never knows. “By chance”
one night while watching TV, George discovers the identity of the couple in the
photo album. They are the Harts, two less than successful movie actors. In
hopes of discover more about them and if they had a son, George hires a private
investigation firm. When the firm informs George that the senior Harts are now
deceased, but their son, Larry, is isted as residing at George’s address,
George is truly baffled. Pondering the matter, George goes for a walk in
Central Park and encounters Larry Hart, who is indeed, George’s exact double.
In a typical “prince and the pauper” plot twist, the two exchange clothing and
identification intending on having a little “fun” with the other’s friends and
family. “Fun” is not exactly what George is about to encounter. (At this point,
the story continues with Larry as George.) Larry, it seems it NOT a very nice
person. In fact, Larry has reasons for no longer wanting to be Larry. Not
unsurprisingly and true to character, Larry continues in his “evil ways”, but
now as George. To say more about this story would be to reveal too much. If you
want to know what happens to George-Larry and Larry-George, well, as they say
in the business, you have to read the book. 

Coincidence
is probably one of the most unusual novels that I have ever read. It has a surprising
plot twist that occurs quite unexpectedly midway through the book. With it
arrives a character the likes of which is only found in classic Woody Allen
movies. At this point the books becomes truly bizarre. I must add that the real
metaphysical grist of the novel begins at this point and is based in this
strangeness.

David Ambrose began his writing
career as a screenwriter for television and film. Most notably, he has written
for Orson Welles. “David Ambrose spent years investigating the scientific basis
for synchronicities and coincidences and infuses the novel with the hard
science behind these fascinating phenomena.” He has written five novels The Man Who Turned Into Himself (1994), Mother of God (1996), Superstition (1997), Meaningless Death (2000) and Coincidence (2002) He lives in
Switzerland. Coincidence is his
latest novel.

Coincidence by David Ambrose is truly a “strange” book. It is a
mystery, science fiction fantasy, and metaphysical treatise. In short, it is
one very complex novel. This is a book that will provoke readers to think and
want to talk about, but unfortunately, it is only really discussable by those
who have also read it. My advice? Read it or be left out! Your choice…well,
maybe.

© 2002 Su Terry

Su Terry: Education:
B.A. in History from Sacred Heart University, M.L.S. in Library Science from
Southern Connecticut State College, M.R.S. in Religious Studies/Pastoral
Counseling from Fairfield University, a M.Div. in Professional Ministry from
New Brunswick Theological Seminary, a Certificate in Spirituality/Spiritual
Direction from Sacred Heart University. She is a Licensed Minister of the
United Church of Christ and an Assistant Professor in Library Science at
Dowling College, Long Island, NY. Interests in Mental Health: She is interested
in the interplay between psychology, biology, and mysticism. Her current area
of research is in the impact of hormonal fluctuation in female Christian mystics.

Categories: Fiction