Familiar, J. Robert Lennon

This slim novel is a haunting tale of identity and memory, by an author new to me, J. Robert Lennon. Elisa Brown is driving home from her annual visit to her son's grave, as the story opens. She notices that a crack in her windshield has disappeared. By the time she returns home she has become aware of many other changes. The basic outlines of her life are the same, but important things have changed. She keeps this disturbing event a secret from her husband, and gingerly navigates her same/changed life: a different job, a marriage counselor that she did not have before, and two sons, who are now estranged, and both alive. She struggles with the fear that she has gone mad and in desperation visits the world of pop-physics to learn about parallel universes. But, she is inextricably living in this one, and slowly comes to terms with who she is and her old memories. We all are dealt surprises in our lives, some more dramatic than others. These can change our lives and who we are. If this has not happened to you, then continue to enjoy your good fortune! Familiar casts a troubling look at this phenomenon.