Second Chance in the Hague

Title: Second Chance in the Hague

Author: David Kintore

Genre: Contemporary

Publisher: Dalmerino Press

Date Published: 2024

Book Length: 327

Format: E book supplied by love books tours in return for an honest review

Star Rating: 4**** I liked it and recommend

About Book: ‘Three miles away at Scheveningen the grey beach was bleak, unvisited, the daylight fading. It was getting colder. Why linger? There was nothing out there but the cold North Sea stroking the land. In the town there would be bustle, conversation, connections, chances to not be alone.’ Stefan owns a moderately successful art gallery in The Hague, passing his days in a comfortable but spiritless rut. Freelance journalist Anna has quit her corporate job in search of something more fulfilling. Art school student Nikki works part-time at Stefan’s gallery and hopes for a breakthrough exhibition; her student friends Petra and Suzanna have the same hope but things are not going their way .Established local artist Matthijs reaches a turning point in his fifties. Second chances come and go, but will they be taken?

My Thoughts: Second Chance in the Hague by David Kintore is a debut novel set in the art world, and as someone who loves art, I was naturally drawn to it. The mix of characters was enjoyable, although at times, their interactions felt a bit simplistic. That being said, this is a contemporary novel, and part of its charm lies in its simplicity and relatable nature. The informal, conversational dialogue felt authentic, which worked well for the tone of the book.

I especially appreciated the discussions around the art scene, which were one of the highlights for me. As someone who spends a lot of time in galleries and museums, if not reading, I found these moments particularly engaging. However, there were several day-to-day details that felt somewhat unnecessary. They didn’t add much to the story or help develop the characters, and at times, I found myself wishing the plot would move forward a little faster.

Overall, I found Second Chance in the Hague an enjoyable read, especially for those who share a love of art. While there were some minor shortcomings in terms of depth and pacing, it was an easy and entertaining book to get lost in. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a light, art-inspired novel, and I’m curious to see what David Kintore will write next.