A mosaic of stories that follow the intertwined lives of three girls coming of age. Two young girls from Jewish and Christian families and their elderly widow next door try to find happiness in a seemingly cruel world. In spite of their different cultural and economic backgrounds, Rebecka, Helen, and Adelle all share the delicate and self-conscious journey to womanhood. In their search for they find lasting strength in the power of their friendships.
DW71
Posted November 30, 2010
I loved this book. Ms. Stephens imagery made me feel as if I were living in the pages, and I didn't want to leave. The girls paths through life bring all the angst, joy and loneliness back to my mind in vivid reality. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait until her next novel.
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Posted September 7, 2010
Lyrically written with descriptions that linger long after the pages have been closed, Lori Ann Stephens' debut novel of 'coming of age' is a lovely paradigm of genuine friendship. I believe this book will speak to not only women who are going through (or have gone through) the bloom into adulthood, but those that revere the place of the female in our society. (As a man who grew up with a sister and a large extended family of women - I was pulled right into every ounce of the story.) Told beautifully through first person accounts of three different 'girls', Stephens shows that friendship can break through barriers of religion or even age. She articulately describes cultures and customs in such a way that I was not only entertained, but educated as well. From Elvis to dog balls to first periods and dealing with death - her anecdotes of these three people create a song full of life, humor and poignancy...with a refrain of nostalgia singing from a much simpler time.
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Overview
A mosaic of stories that follow the intertwined lives of three girls coming of age. Two young girls from Jewish and Christian families and their elderly widow next door try to find happiness in a seemingly cruel world. In spite of their different cultural and economic backgrounds, Rebecka, Helen, and Adelle all share the delicate and self-conscious journey to womanhood. In their search for they find lasting strength in the power of their friendships.