It Takes Two: A Novel (Hardcover)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Former model and dance devotee Chen brings a lusty exuberance to this telenovella-like tale of a 50-year-old writer who, stuck in a staid marriage and a boring New York life, retools in Buenos Aires and in short order nails love with a handsome, younger doctor, friendship with like-minded women and gorgeous young dancers, and the tango. I can't believe I'm the same Francesca who only a week ago sat terrified and intimidated in a corner, the liberated ex-Manhattanite gasps. Falling in love with Roberto, whose marriage is on the rocks, awakens Francesca's sexual desires, bringing her to new orgasmic heights that, even if they don't make much sense, are pretty hot, anyway. Chen takes her adventure over the top with this breathless, lush take on middle-aged romance, sex and happy endings; people inhale their food, are consumed and pulsing during sex and shiver and cry inside from happiness. Sure, it's cheesy, but there's an undeniable charm to the optimism. (Nov.)
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Review

"I haven't had so much fun (or such very good weeps) with a novel in years. Patrizia Chen has a wickedly original voice, and with it she dances you through a tango of love and sex to tell a story that is at the same time steamy, smart, tender, trenchant, and supercool -- not to mention as full of life and risk as it is wise. Remember Freud's old question: What do women want? If you still don't know, you'll find the answer in It Takes Two." -- Jane Kramer, author of Lone Patriot

"The world according to tango -- where miracles occur and where dance, music, and sultry nights in Argentina lead us through a maze of pleasure that turns into obsessions. Patrizia Chen's world is a place that everyone's body, heart, and mind have longed for their whole lives. Some of us see it from across the bank, others are bold enough to buy round-trip tickets there, and some, having crossed the bridge, burn the bridge." -- André Aciman, author of Call Me by Your Name

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Scribner (November 3, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416570616
• ISBN-13: 978-1416570615
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.7 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #18,159 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars IF YOU LOVE BUENOS AIRES, TANGO, SEX, OR ALL THREE, October 30, 2009

By	K. Scott (New York, N.Y.) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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IF YOU LOVE BUENOS AIRES, TANGO, SEX, OR ALL THREE, you'd better not pick up this book until you have a weekend free or you'll find yourself calling in sick so you can finish it. Even as the story races along, you want to stop to enjoy Chen's portrait of the old city and its tango milongas, the little streets full of antique shops and accordion players.... I loved this book. It's like a holiday in Buenos Aires -- with all the romance you could hope for.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars milongas and sexy tango lessons.... holla!, November 10, 2009

By	Rebecca K. Hamrick - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

who does not melt for a book that brings all the raw sex appeal of a foreign country, lover, and dancing. the perfect fix for anyone who is feeling restless and fearless. loved it, loved it, loved it!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love love loved it!!, November 8, 2009

By	R Dunford-Maykall (Pittsburgh, PA United States) - See all my reviews

Reading this I felt so inspired by Francesca... It makes me want to fly to Argentina at once to seek out my own adventure! A must read.