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Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Renovation by Leslie Abner is a relatable exploration of self-discovery, ambition, and the complexities of relationships. The novel follows Skylar, a young interior designer navigating the early stages of her career while trying to balance her personal life, particularly her marriage to Neil. Skylar’s aspirations to excel in the world of design are constantly at odds with her home life and struggles with past trauma. She works under Francine, an overbearing and dismissive boss who underappreciates her talents, making Skylar’s work environment both stifling and frustrating. Francine’s attitude reflects a larger issue in Skylar’s life: her tendency to compromise her needs to please others.
One of the novel’s strengths lies in its ability to capture the nuances of personal relationships, particularly the dynamics of a marriage. Neil supports her career in theory, but his lack of understanding of her passion and the pressures of the design world often creates tension between them. He views Skylar’s career as secondary to his own, dismissing her dreams of starting a design firm as unrealistic. This disparity in ambition and support becomes a recurring theme in their interactions, leaving Skylar torn between the stability of her marriage and her desire for professional fulfillment. Renovation is about the delicate balancing act of personal and professional growth. Leslie Abner creates a relatable protagonist in Skylar, whose journey of self-discovery is marked by the tension between following her passion and maintaining her relationships. The novel speaks to anyone grappling with finding their voice in a world that often demands compromise.
