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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
In short-story writer Moore's (Small Spaces Between Emergencies) first novel, an ungainly narrative structure is more than made up for by striking imagery, passages of dense, passionate writing and scenes of gut-wrenching emotion. In the mid-1970s, young photographer and compulsive wanderer Matty Grover leaves her latest home to spend the summer house-sitting in the Mojave desert. There she forges an edgy friendship with her only neighbor, the artist Della Wolff, a fiercely independent older woman prone to such utterances as "Family gets in the way. I got rid of mine." Though providing material for the novel's satisfying closing scenes, however, the women's relationship isn't the story's core; instead, it acts as a somewhat awkward framework for Matty's painful recollections of her adolescence in the 1960s. Following an emotional logic rather than a strict chronology, Matty faces?possibly for the first time ever?memories of her mother's death and her subsequent abandonment by her father. In addition, she confronts her confusing, often anguished, sexual coming of age. Though common characters and themes link these vivid excursions into Matty's past, each?like a short story?could have stood alone; making this an uneasy hybrid of a short-story collection and a novel, albeit a beautifully written novel that will only enhance Moore's reputation.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Booklist
This beautifully written debut novel tells the story of a woman searching for clues in her family history that might explain her own perpetually nomadic existence. Matty Grove, the book's narrator, has been on the run most of her life. While spending the summer at an isolated desert home, she reflects on the history of her life and tells the tale of her itinerant family. From the time of her mother's death (when Matty was 16) and her father's ensuing disappearance, she has been on an endless journey. Along the way, she learns some bizarre family secrets, meets an unknown older brother, and comes to the stark realization that she is entirely alone in the world. As Matty probes the murky waters of her family's past, searching for love, acceptance, and clues to her own identity, she is finally able to face her family's inability to live up to her needs without being crushed by her own longing. An excellent novel that clearly reveals what we are to each other and applauds the strength and capacity for renewal of the human spirit. Kathleen Hughes
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent writing,
This review is from: Synonym for Love (Hardcover)
And a great first book. Lovely images and a good story about love, life, the West, growing up, and everything. Recommended if you like modern literature and fiction.
5.0 out of 5 stars
great book at the right time,
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This review is from: Synonym for Love (Hardcover)
This book was a coming-of-age story of a different sense. It's not the typical teen girl becomes woman story. Instead, it appeals to the young adult (like myself in my 20s) or I would imagine any yearning adult. If you've been wondering about your next step in life or love, this is for you. If you've been wondering about your family, or reflecting on your past, this is for you. If you're leaving one physical/geographical place to try out a new one, this book is for you. It's about discovery and reflection.
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