'Evison's writing crackles on the page.*

With Bernard, her husband of fifty-five years, now in the grave, seventy-eight-year-old Harriet Chance impulsively sets sail alone on an Alaskan cruise that her late husband had planned. But what Harriet hoped would be a voyage leading to a new lease on life becomes a wildly surprising and revelatory journey into her past.
Jonathan Evison has crafted a bighearted novel with an endearing heroine at the helm. Part dysfunctional love story, part poignant exploration of mother-daughter relationships, nothing is what it seems in this bittersweet tale, told with humor and humanity.

'An irresistible, inventive novel full of important ideas about how we live our lives as parents, children, partners, and human beings.' 'Jami Attenberg, author of The Middlesteins

'Infused with Evison's characteristic empathy and heart and humor . . . He's got a talent for character, emotion and pacing.' 'Los Angeles Times

'Open-hearted, effervescent.' 'the Washington Post

'Wildly entertaining.' 'the Seattle Times

' This Is Your Life, Harriet Chance! is a pleasurable mix of the crazy escapades, changing relationships and thoughtful reflections that make up a life.' 'the Toronto Star

'slowly, and with admirable, dark precision, Evison lays Harriet bare . . . And with Harriet Chance--poor, frustrated, flummoxed Harriet--Evison has found his ideal foil.' 'NPR.com

'It's hard to imagine the reader who won't be moved by this lively, lovely work.' 'the Denver Post