Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 2001 |
| Founder | James Patterson |
| Products | Book, audiobook |
Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas is a 2001 novel authored by American writer James Patterson, which delves into the theme of maintaining equilibrium in life through two interconnected narratives. The primary storyline centers on Katie Wilkinson, a book editor based in New York City, whose romantic involvement with poet Matthew Harrison ends suddenly. During this period, Katie uncovers Matt’s history via a diary penned by Suzanne.
An audiobook version, narrated by Becky Ann Baker, was made available in December 2001.
Background
Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas marks Patterson's debut in the romance category. While he is predominantly recognized for his bestselling mystery thrillers featuring detective Alex Cross, this novel has achieved sales in the millions, highlighting its broad commercial success.
The inspiration for this book stems from Patterson’s own experience with loss. In 1974, he fell deeply in love with Jane Blanchard, who was later diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor. Following her passing, Patterson devoted himself to writing and refrained from entering new romantic relationships until he married Susan, who maintained a diary for their son—a key influence behind this story.
Plot
Katie Wilkinson, a New York City editor, is taken aback when her boyfriend, poet Matt Harrison, abruptly ends their relationship. Subsequently, he sends her a diary that unveils his past through Suzanne’s entries addressed to their infant son, Nicholas.
Suzanne’s narrative starts in Boston, where she serves as a hospital physician. After suffering a minor heart attack and experiencing the departure of her fiancé—who was concerned about fertility issues—she moves to Martha’s Vineyard to start anew.
There, Suzanne hires Matt Harrison, a house painter, and they eventually marry and have a son named Nicholas. Suzanne’s second pregnancy is cut short due to toxemia. With Matt’s support, she recovers and expresses appreciation for her life.
The diary then shifts perspective when Matt assumes writing duties after Suzanne and Nicholas perish in a car crash triggered by Suzanne’s heart attack.
In the present timeline, Katie realizes that Matt is unable to overcome his sorrow; she also discovers she is expecting his child. A visit to Martha’s Vineyard and meeting Matt’s friend Melanie provides Katie reassurance about Matt’s feelings.
Back in New York, Katie prepares for motherhood alone until Matt seeks her forgiveness. They reconcile and marry. On their wedding day, Katie reflects on Suzanne’s optimistic words from the diary: "Isn't it lucky?"
Characters
- Katie Wilkinson serves as the protagonist; originally from North Carolina and residing in New York City, she works as an editor at a publishing firm. Through her profession, she meets poet Matt Harrison and they form a close relationship.
- Matthew (Matt) Harrison is Suzanne’s husband and father of Nicholas who later dates Katie. He works as a house painter and handyman on Martha's Vineyard and is also a poet.
- Suzanne Bedford Harrison (Christina Applegate) authored the diary; she is married to Matt Harrison and mother to Nicholas.
- Nicholas Harrison is the son of Suzanne and Matt.
- Matt Wolfe was Suzanne’s teenage boyfriend; he now practices as an art dealer and lawyer with the Environmental Protection Agency.
- Michael Bernstein dated Suzanne early on in Boston; he worked alongside her at the hospital.
- Melanie Bone lives near Suzanne on Martha’s Vineyard and is one of her close confidantes.
- Lynn Brown is a friend of Katie’s from Westport, Connecticut, where Katie occasionally babysits.
- Susan Kingsolver and Laurie Raleigh are among Katie’s closest friends.
- Mary Jordan assists Katie at the publishing company.
- Dan Anderson is a pediatrician and an old acquaintance of Suzanne from Boston.
- Medical figures include Phil Berman, Suzanne’s physician in Boston; Constance Cotter, her doctor on Martha’s Vineyard; Gail Davis, her cardiologist in Boston; and Albert K. Sassoon, Katie’s gynecologist based in New York.
- Holly Wilkinson, Katie’s mother, teaches first grade in Asheboro, North Carolina; Katie’s father serves as a minister there.
- Jean Harrison is Matt’s widowed mother.
Film adaptation
The book was transformed into a television film titled James Patterson's Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas, which was broadcast on CBS on March 27, 2005. The screenplay and direction were handled by Richard Friedenberg, featuring Christina Applegate in the role of Suzanne, Johnathon Schaech portraying Matt Harrison, and Kathleen Rose Perkins as Katie.