Vermont novelist Thomas Christopher Greene once, in self-deprecating fashion, described his work — at least in the view of the marketing folks at his publishing house — as "Nicholas Sparks for the Volvo set." A sort of more literary romance writer, one supposes — though his fourth and breakthrough book, "The Headmaster's Wife," seems to elevate him to critically-adored status.

The thing is, while matters of the heart are indeed part of Greene's catalog, he's always been a very literary writer whose characters are as multi-layered as his plots are serpentine and clever. There are also elements of tension and mystery — pulled off with wit and breathtaking resolution.

Greene's newest novel, "I Forget You," out last week from Thomas Dunne Books, is about a chance street meeting between two people — a one-time romantic couple — 21 years after they were driven apart. Advance word is very strong. See and hear Greene discuss his work Friday in Westerly's Savoy Bookshop& Café.

Thomas Christopher Greene, 6:30 p.m. Friday, Savoy Bookshop & Café, 10 Canal St., Westerly; free; (401) 213-3901.