Me & You

Although she nearly sabotages the novel in the first chapter, where she introduces her protagonist--self-destructive alcoholic Gwen, at her worst-- Diehl soon gets back on track in an increasingly resonant narrative that candidlycandidly ? describes the seductive lure and painful aftermath of alcoholism. Gwen has been drinking since she was a teenager, a legacy from her adored, alcoholic father, whose abandonment--first through chronic drunkenness, followed by divorce and his death soon after--have left Gwen emotionally burned out.too colloquial? . Alternating with flashback chapters that slowly unfold the grisly details of her father's decline, Gwen describes her slow rehabilitation through AA meetings, her work painting portraits of rich ladies' dogs, and her secret, passionate love affair with Jack, a science fiction writer and her sister's new father-in-law. Although physical union with Jack can almost blot out her feelings of guilt and despair, Gwen must face her responsibility for breaking up Jack's marriage. Diehl ( Men ) writes convincingly about both alcohol addiction and the joys of erotic love. While descriptions of Gwen's alienation sometimes become tedious, Diehl's insights into an alcoholic's roller-coaster personality are absorbing. Paperback rights to Pocket Books. (Mar.)