"A poignant contemporary tale"
Because she mistreated her body with drugs even when
pregnant, Claire Coelson gives birth to a physically and
mentally handicapped child Zeppy. His father died just
before he was born from an overdose. When Claire's father dies during a fishing accident, she
returns to her hometown for the first time in years.
Though she wants to help her mother, she worries about the
reaction of her family and the townsfolk of
Carpentersville, Oregon to Zeppy. Most reactions are at
first a bit stunned, but somehow the infant Zeppy wins
everyone over. As a second tragedy hits the Coelson
family, Zeppy performs minor miracles that provide solace
and healing to one and all even as his mother begins to
fall in love with a San Francisco art gallery owner. A PEBBLE CAST is a poignant contemporary tale that provides
several cleverly designed messages within the plot. The
themes brilliantly intertwined into the story focus on the
love between a mother and a child, the value a seemingly
handicapped person can bring to everyone, and that
handicaps can be overcome. The story line enables the
audience to understand the key characters through the
trials and tribulations that impact the Coelson females
though the back to back sea-faring accidents on the males
provides action but also takes away from the powerful
motifs. Readers comprehend the fears, guilt, and anguish
of Claire when she worries about the care of Zeppy after
she is gone. Readers will relish this insightful
optimistic novel that looks into deep issues yet never
turns maudlin. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted September 26, 2002
|
