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Where Shadows Linger

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Who would have thought that woman-of-the-world Laurel Castenada actually sat alone and listened for the echoes of angels that wouldn't return? Faced with a ruthless mother-in-law after a quickie Mexican marriage, Laurel is dealt the final blow with her forced widowhood after husband Miguel's disappearance/death. Laurel doesn't buy it and sets out to find Miguel and the truth. The first surprise comes in the form of Laurel's eventual re-thinking of her relationship with her seemingly taciturn sister-in-law, Elisa. May is less than restrained in analyzing Elisa's handicapped existence but by the end of the novel, Elisa turns her chains into lifelines that both preserve and protect. The second surprise comes in the reappearance of Laurel's college sweetheart, Geoff, who has broken her heart but still-mysteriously-holds one of the fragile pieces in the palm of his hand. The socio-political commentary is driven home by May's obvious fluency in Spanish and her familiarity with the Mexican landscape and nuances. It is compelling how the main character holds on to the feelings for Geoff Winters, as they both comfort and drive her. But, the reality is clear that Janis has never actually been in love. This is true because love has yet--even at the end of the book-to make a master out of her. Caseme.