For fans of authors like Barbara Kingsolver and Leif Enger, a stunning new voice in contemporary literary fiction.“Tragedy and blessing. Leave them alone long enough, and it gets real hard to tell them apart.” Elena Alvarez is living a cursed life. From the deadly fire she accidentally set as a child, to her mother’s abandonment, and now to an unwanted pregnancy, she knows better than most that … she knows better than most that small actions can have terrible consequences. Driven to the high mountains surrounding Leadville, Colorado by her latest bad decision, she’s intent on putting off the future. Perhaps there she can just hide in her grandmother’s isolated cabin and wait for something–anything–to make her next choice for her.
But instead of escape, she finds reminders of her own troubles reflected from every side–the recent widower and his two children adrift in a changed world, Elena’s own mysterious family history, and the interwoven lives within the town itself. Bit by bit, Elena begins to reconsider her role in the tragedies she’s held on to and the wounds she’s refused to let heal.
But then, in a single afternoon, when threads of cause and effect tangle, Elena’s fragile new peace is torn apart. It’s only at the prospect of fresh loss and blame that she will discover the truth of the terrible burdens we take upon ourselves, the way tragedy and redemption are inevitably bound together–and how curses can sometimes lead to blessings, however disguised.
more
This book was an interesting novel that had characters that kept your interest.
Look elsewhere for a synopsis–how many of those do you need? Good characters here. This book gives you lots to root for, but no easy or cookie-cutter answers. An enjoyable read.
I also bought an Audible version thinking that it was a light-weight novel that I could listen to and knit at the same time. No, it quickly became clear that the narration was going too slowly for the actual action! I had to read it myself because the story had captured my attention. Really good read! You don’t want to miss this one!
A light, easy to read and touching story about finding ourselves and defining a path for the trajectory of our lives. The characters are interesting, if not a little shallow. This is a good story worthy of telling and told in a thoughtful and at times, lyrical, manner.
Loved this book. Want to read more by this author. Very moving.
Loved it!!!
I liked this book due to the interaction of the characters, and the realistic portrayal of how many carry guilt over things totally out of their control.
This wasn’t a bad story, but it felt like the author rushed the ending leaving the most interesting part of the book unresolved.
I truly loved reading this book. The writing style drew you in and on. The characters were real, flawed and multi-dimensional. The story line kept me involved and interested. Hope there is a sequel.
As a former teacher and grandmother, my heart broke for the children in this story. I like that out of evil good may result, or not. Life happens. This is a realistic portrayal of how children think and act in a time gone by when kids were free to roam outdoors.
It was a story of pain and redemption. The characters had many facets, no one was either all good or all bad. There was tremendous kindness and forgiveness in this little community, where acceptance was the norm and judgement discouraged, especially, self judgement!
This book is a great novel with so much character development. Watching all the characters as they change based on adversity faced made this a very interesting read. One of the best I have read in quite some time.
I was moved in deep ways by this coming of age story. Lovely well-crafted characters, a twisty interesting plot and beautiful writing!!!
Compelling story about real people and the complexity of life.
I loved this book. The characters were very interesting, I loved their story and didn’t want to let them go. I wanted this book to go on and on.
It presents a great lesson on forgiving ourselves and letting go of the past. I recommend it highly.
Didn’t like it!
This is a wonderful book by a very talented writer. Her characters are so real it is like watching a movie. The children are especially well done. There is so much wisdom in this book. I am sure I will be rereading it to absorb it all
very lovely writing, I enjoyed the setting for the novel
I wanted a good book for my days off over the holidays. But…I read this book far too quickly. It was very good. This book made me think – about forgiveness for ourselves and others and understanding of ourselves and others. I highly recommend you read this book.
Totally absorbing and thought provoking, as well as insightful to human, real life experiences.