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In James Siegel’s latest novel, the life of a married working man is irrevocably changed the day he missed his regular train. Hoping not to arrive late to his high-paying advertising job, he takes the next available one not knowing what fate has in store for him. Once his eyes catch a glimpse of the beauty known to him as Lucinda, there will be no turning back. It is this event that will change Charles Schine’s life in ways that he never thought could be possible. Derailed is his story. One aspect that separates this novel from others is the introduction of dual plots. The first part of the book is a psychological thriller filled with a lot of suspense for a man in an extramarital affair with unexpected developments. It will start as a simple case of adultery followed by a scene of extreme violence. After that, he will be blackmail and the life of his family will be threatened. There is no possible way for a peaceful solution; it can only end in death. The author borrows elements from Alfred Hitchcock movies and James M. Cain novels for this roller coaster ride adventure. The story will come to abrupt stop that, at first, might confuse readers, but after the narrative continues, it will be clear as to why there has been a lot of high praise for this new work by James Siegel. The second part of the story involve an English teacher in Upstate New York who, once a week, visits Attica prison to teach inmates how to improve their writing skills. The relationship between Charles Schine and the professor may seem obvious at first, but the circumstances are far from ordinary. This element of the plot will develop as a character study of an individual who creates a new possibility for himself and his family when his original decisions ruined his life. He is taking control of his life by doing something about that will touch, move and inspire the reader. Mr. Siegel does a great job in developing all of the characters in his book while at the same time making no apologies. Each participant plays his role as a regular person were they given these same difficult circumstances. There are moments of incredulity in the story as well as a big ironic twist. Derailed could have ended a whole lot sooner, but the author decides to purposely go off-track and develop the plot even further. There are people who are yet unfamiliar with this author, but that is all about to change. This is a powerful book from an author who will no longer be ignored.
Reviewed by Angel L. Soto, March 2003
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