Sundays at Tiffany's
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | April 29, 2008 |
| Products | Romantic novel |
Sundays at Tiffany's is a romantic novel co-authored by James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet, published on April 29, 2008. This work was later transformed into a Lifetime Television original film, which debuted on December 6, 2010.
Plot summary
The narrative opens with Jane Margaux spending Sundays at New York City's St. Regis Plaza alongside her imaginary companion, Michael. Assigned to assist children in need, Michael must depart once they reach the age of ten, at which point the children lose all memory of him. Jane’s mother, Vivienne Margaux, a Broadway producer, is frequently absent due to her demanding career and personal matters.
On Jane’s tenth birthday, amidst the hectic opening night of a production, Vivienne inadvertently neglects her daughter. Michael offers comfort but must leave as Jane turns ten, warning her that she will soon forget him. Two decades pass, and Jane—still cherishing memories of Michael—works under the strict supervision of her mother and has successfully produced a play titled "Thank Heaven," inspired by her childhood experiences with Michael. She is in the process of adapting the play into a film, while her boyfriend Hugh McGrath, who portrayed Michael on stage, competes for the lead role.
Jane faces challenges stemming from her reliance on Vivienne and a toxic relationship with Hugh, who manipulates her to secure the film part. Following multiple conflicts and betrayals by Hugh, Jane reunites with Michael—who is currently on a break from his imaginary friend responsibilities—and they rekindle their bond. This renewed connection empowers Jane to assert herself both professionally and personally despite Vivienne’s domineering influence.
As complications arise in Jane’s life—including discoveries about her family’s medical history and Hugh’s final manipulative efforts—Michael realizes his purpose is to assist Jane in transitioning from life. They share a joyful week together in Nantucket before Michael departs to safeguard her future.
Upon returning to New York, Jane suffers a collapse due to illness. Michael hurries to the hospital but finds Vivienne critically ill instead; he understands that his mission was to protect Vivienne. After Vivienne passes away peacefully, Michael falls ill himself—a sign of his transformation into a human—and ultimately recovers fully. He dedicates himself to life with Jane; the epilogue reveals their marriage and that they have two children.
Release details
- 2008, USA, Little, Brown, April 29, 2008, hardcover
Film adaptation
The television movie adaptation of Sundays at Tiffany's premiered on Lifetime Television on December 6, 2010, with several reruns airing through April 2011. Alyssa Milano played the role of Jane and also took on executive producer responsibilities. The cast featured Stockard Channing as Vivian, Eric Winter as Michael, and Ivan Sergei as Hugh.
Milano was attracted to the project due to its unique premise and multifaceted characters. She discussed the challenge of embodying a character who is "hardened off and protective" without becoming unlikable. Filming took place in Toronto from September 8 through October 1, 2010. Milano commended her fellow actors for fostering a supportive atmosphere during production. She valued reuniting with Winter and Sergei from their previous work on Charmed and appreciated collaborating with the experienced Channing. Milano emphasized that serving as a producer enhanced her creative input and deepened her emotional connection to the role.