Plot Summary
A Mother's Final Goodbye
In New Orleans, Doris Whitney, overwhelmed by despair due to a fraudulent scheme, makes a final call to her daughter, Tracy, in Philadelphia. They discuss everyday matters, but Doris conceals her true intentions. After the call, Doris takes her own life, leaving Tracy unaware of the tragedy that will soon unravel her world.
Tracy's Life Shattered
Tracy Whitney, a vibrant young woman engaged to Charles Stanhope III, is living an idyllic life until she receives a devastating call from the New Orleans police. Her mother, Doris, has committed suicide, driven to despair by Joe Romano's fraudulent scheme. Tracy rushes to New Orleans, determined to uncover the truth and seek justice for her mother.
A Desperate Plan Unfolds
Determined to clear her mother's name, Tracy confronts Joe Romano, demanding he confess to his crimes. The confrontation turns violent, and in a moment of panic, Tracy accidentally shoots Romano. She flees but is soon arrested at the airport, accused of attempted murder and theft, setting the stage for her legal nightmare.
Trapped in a Nightmare
Tracy's trial is a travesty, orchestrated by corrupt lawyer Perry Pope and Judge Henry Lawrence, ensuring her conviction. Her fiancé, Charles, abandons her, adding to her heartbreak. Tracy is sentenced to fifteen years in a Louisiana prison, her life shattered as she faces a grim future behind bars.
A New Life Behind Bars
In prison, Tracy encounters a brutal world where survival depends on alliances. Assaulted by her cellmates, she learns the unwritten rules of prison life. Despite the challenges, Tracy's spirit remains unbroken, and she resolves to survive and seek revenge on those who wronged her.
The Art of Survival
Befriending Ernestine Littlechap, a powerful inmate, Tracy gains protection and begins to understand the prison's social dynamics. Her determination to escape grows as she dreams of freedom and retribution against those who destroyed her life, setting the stage for her daring escape attempt.
A Daring Escape Attempt
Tracy seizes an opportunity to work outside the prison, caring for the warden's daughter. She plans her escape with Ernestine's help, but a twist of fate forces her to save the warden's daughter from drowning. This act of heroism earns her a pardon, offering a second chance at life.
A Daring Heist Unfolds
Tracy Whitney and Jeff Stevens execute an audacious heist to steal a valuable diamond from the Nederlands Diamond-Cutting Factory in Amsterdam. Using disguises and a clever ruse, they swap the real diamond with a fake, leaving authorities baffled. Their flawless execution marks the pinnacle of their criminal careers.
Tracy's Feverish Ordeal
After the heist, Tracy falls gravely ill, jeopardizing their escape. Jeff, showing unexpected tenderness, nurses her back to health, deepening their relationship. Despite the danger, Jeff's care ensures Tracy's recovery, strengthening their bond and setting the stage for a new chapter in their lives.
A New Life Beckons
With the diamond heist behind them, Tracy and Jeff dream of a life free from crime. Their love grows, and they decide to marry and start anew, leaving Amsterdam and their old lives behind. The promise of a fresh start and shared future beckons them toward happiness.
The Final Confrontation
Daniel Cooper, an obsessed investigator, trails Tracy across Europe, determined to catch her. Despite his efforts, Tracy and Jeff outsmart him at every turn. Cooper's fixation becomes his undoing, leading to his resignation and failure, while Tracy and Jeff evade capture, leaving Cooper to grapple with his demons.
A Love Beyond Crime
As they prepare to leave their criminal pasts behind, Tracy and Jeff's love solidifies. Their partnership transcends the thrill of the con, rooted in a deep, genuine connection. Their decision to marry marks a new chapter, where love and trust replace deceit and danger, promising a future filled with happiness.
Characters
Doris Whitney
Doris Whitney's life ends in tragedy due to a fraudulent scheme, setting off a chain of events that shatters her daughter Tracy's world. Her suicide becomes the catalyst for Tracy's quest for justice and redemption.
Tracy Whitney
Tracy is a master of disguise and deception, using her intelligence and charm to outwit adversaries. Her journey from a wronged woman seeking justice to a skilled con artist is marked by determination and resourcefulness, with a moral compass targeting only those deserving retribution.
Charles Stanhope III
Charles is Tracy's wealthy fiancé, who deserts her when she is accused of crimes. His betrayal adds to Tracy's heartbreak and fuels her resolve to rebuild her life without him.
Joe Romano
Romano is responsible for Doris Whitney's downfall. His fraudulent actions lead to Doris's suicide and Tracy's wrongful imprisonment, making him a primary target of Tracy's quest for justice.
Perry Pope
Pope is Tracy's court-appointed lawyer, secretly working against her. His betrayal ensures Tracy's conviction, highlighting the corruption she faces.
Judge Henry Lawrence
Lawrence is the judge who sentences Tracy to prison, part of the corrupt system conspiring against her. His role in Tracy's downfall makes him a target of her vengeance.
Ernestine Littlechap
Ernestine is a formidable presence in prison, offering Tracy protection and guidance. Her friendship is crucial to Tracy's survival and escape plans.
Anthony Orsatti
Orsatti is the crime boss behind the scheme that destroys Doris Whitney. His influence and power make him a formidable adversary in Tracy's quest for justice.
Amy Brannigan
Amy is the warden's daughter, whom Tracy saves from drowning. Her rescue leads to Tracy's pardon, offering a glimmer of hope and redemption.
Warden Brannigan
The warden of the prison where Tracy is held, Brannigan is a fair and compassionate figure who ultimately plays a role in Tracy's release.
Jeff Stevens
Jeff is a charismatic con artist with a penchant for elaborate schemes. His relationship with Tracy evolves from rivalry to partnership, revealing his depth of character and commitment to a new life with her.
Daniel Cooper
Cooper is driven by a personal vendetta against Tracy, stemming from his troubled past. His fixation on capturing her becomes an all-consuming obsession, leading to his downfall.
Gunther Hartog
Gunther is a cultured figure who provides Tracy with opportunities for high-stakes heists. Despite his involvement in crime, his loyalty to Tracy is unwavering.
Maximilian Pierpont
Pierpont is a rich businessman, known for predatory tactics. He becomes a target for Tracy and Jeff, symbolizing greed and corruption.
Plot Devices
Corruption and Betrayal
The narrative is driven by corruption within the legal system, with key figures conspiring against Tracy. Their betrayal highlights the theme of injustice and fuels Tracy's quest for revenge.
Survival and Redemption
Tracy's story is one of survival against overwhelming odds. Her determination to clear her mother's name and seek justice for herself is central to the plot, culminating in her daring escape attempt and eventual redemption.
Prison as a Microcosm
The prison setting serves as a microcosm of society, with its own rules and power dynamics. Tracy's experiences highlight themes of power, survival, and the struggle for justice in an unjust world.
Elaborate Heists and Deceptions
The story is propelled by intricate heists and cons, showcasing Tracy and Jeff's ingenuity and skill. These plot devices create tension and excitement, as the characters navigate the challenges and risks of their criminal endeavors.
Redemption and New Beginnings
The narrative explores the possibility of redemption and the desire for a fresh start. Tracy and Jeff's decision to leave their criminal pasts reflects their longing for a life free from danger and deceit.
Obsession and Downfall
Daniel Cooper's relentless pursuit of Tracy serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of obsession. His inability to let go of his vendetta leads to his professional and personal downfall.
Analysis
"If Tomorrow Comes" by Sidney Sheldon is a gripping tale of justice, redemption, and the transformative power of love. The narrative explores the impact of systemic corruption and betrayal, as Tracy Whitney navigates a world that has wronged her. Her journey from despair to hope is marked by resilience and cunning, as she seeks to clear her mother's name and find her own redemption. The story delves into the complexities of human relationships, highlighting the importance of trust and loyalty. Tracy's partnership with Jeff Stevens evolves from a shared criminal endeavor to a deep, genuine connection, underscoring the theme of love as a redemptive force. The novel also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of obsession, as seen through Daniel Cooper's relentless pursuit of Tracy. Ultimately, "If Tomorrow Comes" is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for survival and transformation, offering readers a thrilling and thought-provoking journey.
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Review Summary
If Tomorrow Comes received mostly positive reviews, with readers praising its captivating plot, clever cons, and strong female protagonist Tracy Whitney. Many found it entertaining and fast-paced, enjoying Tracy's transformation and adventures. Some criticized it as unrealistic or simplistic, but most appreciated Sheldon's storytelling. Readers often mentioned it fondly as a memorable book from their youth. The novel's themes of revenge and ingenuity resonated with many, though some felt it lacked depth compared to more literary works.
