The book...
A moving novel of loss, regret, denial, and
discovery on Galveston Island, from the author of Opal’s Story and The
Ember Months.
Birdie has lived to regret many of her decisions, but she doesn’t regret
offering a stranger, Jude, shelter from an approaching hurricane. Their
serendipitous meeting will form a bond that will change their lives forever.
In a character driven story with memories of the protests and inequality
plaguing the 1960's, Birdie’s reached middle age and questions her life. Jude
is striking out on her own, but has been derailed by a fatal accident claiming
her only friend. Although their backgrounds and lives are vastly different,
they recognize something in the other that forges a friendship.
As their relationship solidifies, they share glimpses of their pasts.
Birdie is a product of the '60's, an aging hippie, with a series of
resentments. She had a sheltered childhood in an upper class family. Her
parents longed to see her make the Texas Dip at the Mardi Gras ball. Jude, however,
entered foster care as an infant. Her parents, victims of a murder/suicide,
left her and her siblings orphaned and separated.
There is something about their connection that strikes Birdie as
familiar. Can souls know each other in different lives? Birdie struggles with
the awareness that she has had regrets and hasn't lived an authentic life,
while Jude faces an uncomfortable truth about her own. It has all the feels.
The review...
The unusual dedication at the beginning immediately both intrigued and stirred the emotions, and I wanted to know its connection to the story - which was not immediately apparent.
When Birdie Barnes finds Jude - a young woman in crisis - on the beach while walking her dog, it's the beginning of an unusual cross-generational friendship, one which will have profound effects for both women. Birdie has always rebelled against the expectations placed on her by her parents and society; Jude's life has been hard from the start and it's safe to say, hasn't got easier. Both women have secrets they're not telling. But why, when they clearly haven't met before, does Jude seem so strangely familiar?
While I enjoyed the beginning of the book, it took a bit longer for the story to really grab me. By the second half, though, I was totally engaged, by Birdie's story in particular, aspects of which I could definitely relate to.
The story is set in a place I knew nothing of: Galveston Island off the coast of Texas. (Well, only the Glen Campbell song...) I felt I knew it a bit better by the end, though, and definitely got a strong sense of place arising from the narrative.
I did feel the story took time to get going, but the strength of the book lies in the complex and subtle characterisation of the main characters, especially Birdie.... not always likeable, but never less than interesting.
Thanks to the author and Rachel's Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review!
Purchase Links...
Author Bio…
Phyllis is a retired social worker and former owner/operator of a small bed and breakfast. She’s lived in the rural areas and cities of south Texas. She currently lives on Galveston Island with her husband, Richard.
