First novels should be the hardest to write but, among writers, second novels have won that reputation. Second-novel syndrome can be identified by: obsessional mourning for the cocoon of anonymity; consuming self-doubt; chronic false starts; acute self-consciousness; the need for constant reassurance; and a low-level frustration brought on by mandatory participation in literary festivals.

If Christine Balint or Michael Jacobson suffered from second­-novel syndrome, the strain isn’t evident in their work. Ophelia’s Fan and Always East are very different books, but they are both strong second novels that continue to develop the themes, interests, voices and styles each author established in their début.