Chances (novel)
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | 1981 |
| Founder | Jackie Collins |
| Products | Book |
Chances is a 1981 novel authored by Jackie Collins, marking the inaugural installment of her Santangelo series. The narrative weaves together three principal storylines, featuring significant characters and events set against the backdrop of the New York City blackout of 1977. Upon its publication, the book secured a spot on the New York Times Bestseller list.
Synopsis
The structure of Chances is segmented into distinct parts. The initial section addresses the effects of the blackout on the central figures. The following part concentrates on Gino Santangelo and subsequently his offspring, Lucky and Dario. The final segment delves into the experiences of Carrie Berkley and her son Steven.
July 14/15 1977, New York City/Philadelphia
This real-life blackout event serves as a pivotal moment impacting all key characters:
- Lucky Santangelo becomes trapped alongside Steven Berkley in an elevator while attempting to thwart her father Gino Santangelo's return to the United States. After their rescue, she visits Steven’s residence.
- Steven Berkley, serving as a district attorney, is in the midst of preparing an indictment when he finds himself stuck in the elevator with Lucky.
- Gino Santangelo makes his return after seven years as a tax exile in Israel, with his flight being redirected to Philadelphia. A flight attendant discloses his comeback to the media.
- Dario Santangelo is locked out by his partner during the blackout and contacts Costa for assistance.
- Costa Zennocotti remains at his workplace before sending an enforcer to handle Dario but ends up abducting him instead.
- Carrie Berkley suffers assault and robbery during the Harlem blackout. She is detained amid the ensuing riots but is released on bail by her husband, later returning to Harlem after receiving a blackmail threat.
Gino and Lucky
Gino’s background begins in 1921, tracing his lineage back to when his parents, Paulo and Mira Santangelo, immigrated from Italy to New York City in 1909. By age fifteen, Gino had engaged in criminal activities such as car theft, leading to time spent in a juvenile home.