What a wonderfully refreshing book. This is one I highly recommend, mainly because of the intricacies portrayed about families.......and all the nuances of the bonds between fathers/daughters; mothers/daughters; sisters; twins, lovers.
STORY SUMMARY
There have been only three men in her whole life whom she has loved. Eustacia (Taisy) Cleary has loved Ben Ransom (her first true love), Marcus (her twin brother), and Wilson (her father). Wilson is known as a professor, inventor, philanderer, self-made millionnaire, very smart, yet...a jerk.
Seventeen years ago, Wilson decided to abandon his family when the twins were just 18 years old. He married Caroline (Caro), a young sculptor, who was pregnant with his child, a daughter whom they named Willow. Taisy has only seen this 2nd family once....and it was not a good time.
Now she is 35 years old, single, homeowner, with a good career as a ghostwriter. All of a sudden, Wilson calls her out of the blue, inviting her to come for a visit. He wants her to meet her sister.....who is 16 and views Taisy with jealousy, mistrust, and grudging admiration. Wilson tries to convince Taisy to write his memoir....a memoir of his brilliant mind. But..Wilson is not a kind person. And he has secrets. Secrets that extend way back to his own childhood.
Taisy is on a mission to befriend Caro and Willow as well as to find out just what were Wilson's beginnings....what was he like as a child? What are the secrets he is keeping close to his heart? Why is he so difficult to get along with? Why does he love Willow and seemingly does not love Taisy or Marcus?
Taisy, while on this mission, begins to re-establish her relationship with Ben.....someone who she was once married to! Just why did they get an annulment? How does this affect their future? Do they even have a future together? What does Taisy learn about Willow along the way?
Meanwhile, Willow now goes to high school after being home-schooled for years. She is not knowledgeable about the things of the world like pop culture, the latest trends, how teenagers interact with one another. And yet, she is extremely bright and kind. She finds herself drawn to a boy who befriends her and is on the swim team. Luka chooses her to be his English lit partner for a project. They quickly become fast friends. At the same time, their rather creepy English teacher, Mr. Insley, begins to lure Willow into his trust. What is Willow going to do about his inappropriate attentions? Who does she trust to help her?
MY THOUGHTS
This book is amazing. It is told in two voices alternating chapters between Taisy and Willow.
The book centers around family secrets, lost love, and dangerous obsessions. I found myself cheering Taisy on in her quest to best Wilson. To finally stand up to her father and say "no". I found myself hoping Willow would be brave and strong and report Mr Insley (I'm not going to reveal what happens here as I don't want to spoil it for you).
The character development in this book is perfect. You get an excellent perspective of each girl's voice and their image of Wilson, the father they share.
This book is full of love, lightness and hilarity. It is also filled with a depth of human character that is very emotional.
In my opinion, this book is appropriate for ages 14 and older.
On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest, I rate this a 10.
4 comments:
This cover would have drawn me had I seen it. Sounds like it would be very interesting.
good review.
Susanne: yes the cover drew me in and when i saw who the author was I just had to get it. i read one of her other novels but for some reason never did a review for it, so must have been before i started reviewing books on here! my daughter remembered it too as she read one.
Wow, what a busy two weeks! I'll try to get back and watch Passion Road. (If we lived in NY, my hubby would love helping out with this production as he is a lighting designer)
The young adult group is great! So important to ensure this age group has connections in the church.
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