Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Riverhead Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the debut novel by JoAnne Tompkins - 5 glowing stars!
Two families are grieving - Isaac is mourning the loss of his teenage son, Daniel, and next-door neighbor, Lorrie, is also mourning the death of her son, Jonah. While their sons' deaths are connected, Isaac and Lorrie are now worlds apart. Into this grief stumbles Evangeline, a pregnant teenage girl who appears at Isaac's door. She has connections to both boys that she is keeping to herself. All three must first come to grips with their pasts before moving forward.
What an amazing debut - this book will have you in shreds at the same time as it will lift you up with all that is good in humanity. You will feel so much emotion for each character and their story. I loved Isaac's Quaker faith and the power of silence in this so very loud world. I also loved delving into the acceptance of the reality of our children and our role in that. "Every mother screws up her children one way or another. It's up to you whether you stay that way." And just wait until you meet Rufus! This would be the perfect book club book because there are so many topics - faith, grief, abuse, hope, kindness, family. Such a powerful book - do not miss this one! Bravo to all involved and I'll definitely be looking for more from this author.
No comments:
Post a Comment