Jane, Divided by Craig Lancaster 

 

When I was given the chance to read a new Craig Lancaster novel, I accepted with alacrity. His previous books have always stayed with me—beautifully written, emotionally resonant, and full of characters who feel achingly real. Jane, Divided is no exception. With quiet brilliance, Lancaster brings his female protagonist to life, capturing her complexities, vulnerabilities, and strength in a way that feels both authentic and deeply moving. 

 

When Jane leaves Montana behind, she’s not just walking away from a failed marriage—she’s trying to outrun the emotional weight of her past. Returning to Texas, a place she swore she’d never revisit, means confronting old wounds and stepping into roles she thought she’d left behind: daughter, teacher, single mother. Living under her father’s roof and re-entering the classroom after years away is no easy feat, but Lancaster handles these transitions with quiet grace. The question lingers throughout: can Jane rebuild a life in the very place she once fled, and find connection not just with her daughter, but with the father she’s kept at arm’s length? 

 

This is a story that lingers. Craig Lancaster writes with such empathy and insight that you feel every step of Jane’s journey—her doubts, her quiet courage, her longing for connection. Jane, Divided is a tender, beautifully observed novel about second chances and the strength it takes to rebuild. I finished it feeling grateful to have spent time in Jane’s world, and reminded of how powerful a well-told story can be. 

 

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7912768166