The Decent Proposal

In Donovan's hesitant first novel, an anonymous donor offers two young strangers $500,000 dollars each if they agree to meet once a week for two hours over the course of a year. Richard is a wannabe movie producer and Elizabeth is an associate on the partner track of a tony L.A. law firm. The author emphasizes their contrasts: Richard is a cool, lean film fanatic who binge drinks and Elizabeth is a smart, no-nonsense, full-figured teetotaler who would rather read a book than socialize. Donovan provides backstory of Richard's "best bud" Michaela, who secretly pines for him; Orpheus Washington, a homeless man whom Elizabeth has taken under her wing; and the eccentric anonymous benefactor. The contrived secret connection between Richard and Elizabeth, on top of a somewhat preachy side plot, results in a narrative that never fully gets off the ground. (Apr.)