Last Princess

A rote, cookie-cutter approach to plot and character development turns Freeman's most recent novel since Seasons of the Heart into a largely unintriguing exercise in the school of instant success. Lily Goodhue is a wealthy New York debutante slated for a good match in the marriage market when she unexpectedly falls in love with Harry Kohle, son of a rich Jewish banker. Cut off by the stern disapproval of both families, the two retire to a small farm, where Lilywho's never had to lift a fingersettles happily into gardening, canning and raising a family, while her exceedingly self-absorbed husband burns up the typewriter keys with one astounding bestseller after the next. His agent and close friend Ellis moons after Lily from afar and watches with alternating pain and satisfaction as the Kohles's marriage takes a series of tragic turns. The outward trappings of fortune and fame never bring these two much joy, and, despite a bittersweet reconciliation between the couple, it proves difficult to drum up much empathy or enthusiasm for their travails. Doubleday Book Club Main selection; Literary Guild alternate. (April)