In Five Years Book Summary

A Novel

by Rebecca Serle112

TL;DR

In Five Years by Rebecca Serle is a poignant love story about a corporate lawyer whose meticulously planned life is upended by an unexpected vision of the future.

What is In Five Years about

In Five Years, written by Rebecca Serle, is a compelling novel that centers around Dannie Kohan, a driven corporate lawyer with a meticulously planned life. The story begins on a high note, with Dannie acing an interview for her dream job and getting engaged to her long-time boyfriend, all in line with her five-year plan. However, everything changes when she experiences a vision set five years into the future, featuring a different man and an alternate life. The novel unfolds as Dannie's life approaches the timeline of her vision, exploring themes of love, destiny, and the unexpected turns life can take.

In Five Years 6 Key Takeaways

Dannie’s Life Plan

Dannie Kohan has her life meticulously planned out, including her career and engagement to her long-time boyfriend. She secures her dream job and gets engaged, aligning perfectly with her five-year plan.

Vision of the Future

On the night of her engagement, Dannie has a vivid vision set five years in the future, where she is living with a different man. This vision unsettles her but is dismissed as a dream.

Meeting the Man

Four and a half years later, Dannie meets the man from her vision, David, who is connected to her best friend Bella. This encounter makes her question her past vision and current life choices.

Bella’s Illness

Dannie’s best friend, Bella, is diagnosed with terminal cancer, which brings emotional turmoil and challenges the relationships in Dannie's life. This tragedy forces Dannie to re-evaluate her priorities.

Confronting the Future

As she approaches the date of her vision, Dannie must confront her feelings and the reality of her future. The relationships and events that unfold lead her to understand the true meaning of love and destiny.

Resolution

Dannie realizes that the vision was a guide to understanding the deeper, emotional connections in her life rather than a literal roadmap. She finds peace in the unpredictability of life and the power of loyalty and friendship.

Top In Five Years Quotes

  • "You mistake love. It’s not something you can plan for. It’s not a five-year plan. It’s a force of nature."
  • "What if the real secret to a happy life is a permission slip to change your mind?"

Who should read In Five Years?

This book is ideal for readers who enjoy emotional and thought-provoking stories about love, destiny, and friendship. Fans of contemporary romance and women's fiction will find In Five Years particularly compelling and relatable.

About the Author

Rebecca Serle is a renowned author known for her emotionally resonant and thought-provoking novels. She has a background in film and television, and her works often explore themes of love, destiny, and the complexities of human relationships. Her previous works include the bestselling novel The Dinner List, further establishing her as a significant voice in contemporary fiction.

In Five Years Best Reviews

  • The New York Times calls it 'a heart-wrenching tale of love and destiny that challenges the reader’s perception of what it means to live a fulfilled life.'
  • Booklist praises the novel as 'an emotional and thought-provoking read that beautifully captures the essence of friendship and the mysteries of fate.'

In Five Years FAQs

What is the book In Five Years by Rebecca Serle about?

In Five Years is a moving love story about Dannie Kohan, a corporate lawyer with a meticulous life plan, whose world is upended by a vision of a different future.

Was the book In Five Years made into a movie?

Yes, New Line has acquired the rights for HBO Max, with Aimee Lagos set to adapt the script.

What are the trigger warnings in the book In Five Years?

Trigger warnings include terminal cancer, false pregnancy, and the death of a loved one. The book is an emotionally intense read.