Catherine Hoke’s A Second Chance tells the story of a young girl’s struggle to discover her place in the world. When Beatrice discovers that the life she has been leading is not the life truly meant for her, she embarks on a journey to find the truth. Along the way she meets others like her – people who are searching for a second chance.
Beatrice Kostev is an orphan living in a small Catholic orphanage in rural Argentina. She has spent her entire life believing that she is like everyone else—until she is told the startling truth. She discovers that her real name is Helena and she has Romani heritage. Suddenly Beatrice is faced with an unprecedented dilemma – does she change her identity and venture into the unknown, or does she remain Beatrice and continue her life as she always has?
The novel chronicles Beatrice’s journey as she ventures out into the world to find the truth. Along the way she meets a number of people—some who accept her as she is, and some who reject her because of her racial heritage. Through her travels, Beatrice discovers a group of Romani people living peacefully in the outskirts of Buenos Aires. It is here that Beatrice begins to understand the history of her people, and the importance of embracing her identity.
At first, Beatrice struggles to accept the reality that has been presented to her. She is unable to reconcile her past with her present and is fearful of confronting her family. But as she begins to get to know her newfound family, she starts to realize that being a Romani is not such a bad thing. With each new person she meets, Beatrice is gifted a new opportunity to learn and to grow.
Throughout her journey, Beatrice finds solace in the stories and support of those who accept her for who she is. With the help of her new friends, she remembers her own heritage and begins to understand that she can make a difference. Before long, Beatrice finds her own inner strength and embraces her true identity.
By the end of the novel, Beatrice has come to learn that life is full of new startings and second chances. Accepting her identity has opened up a world of possibilities. She has discovered a new purpose, a new life, and revelations into the unknown.
A Second Chance by Catherine Hoke is a story of hope and understanding. Through Beatrice’s journey we learn to embrace our identity and to respect the identities of others. It is a novel that highlights the importance of never giving up and always seeking a second chance.
