Whimsical folklore. Fantasy. A fairy tale. Some readers may stop reading here, but let's continue! Always reaching for new authors and a new literary experience, I chose this book because I heard of Wallace's previous works, namely Big Fish, which is being made into a movie by Tim Burton. Certainly not the genre I usually read, yet I found myself drawn to the story of two sisters consumed by grief and loneliness.Helen and Rachel McCallister live in a town called Roam. They are the granddaughters of patriarch, Elijah, who founded this strange and unusual spot. Once a thriving hub of silk production, it has become a dying village where its residents long to escape. Helen is bitter, older, conniving, and from all accounts, a truly ugly woman. Her sister, Rachel is kind, soft-spoken, a vision of loveliness-and blind. When their parents die in a tragic, unexpected accident, Helen realizes that Rachel is now dependent on her for everything. Unfortunately, Helen seizes the opportunity to convince Rachel that the world is a dark, dangerous place. Rachel truly believes she cannot survive without Helen. And so the cruel lies begin until that one monumental moment when Rachel learns the truth, and Helen realizes that her tender, helpless sister is perhaps not so helpless after all.
Where is Roam? No one really knows. In this town live ghosts, vicious dogs, lumberjacks, magical waters, and bears! So many side characters too numerous to mention, but they all play a part in the fantasy. As a reader, you may very well be drawn to the 288 pages of sibling rivalry, jealousy, well-developed characters, and often, a touch of humor. I believe you will want to keep reading simply to find out how it ends.
Remember, "What tangled webs we weave...."
This book sounds so interesting! I can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteDiane