In Dori Ostermiller's debut novel, infidelity is at the root of the problems for both a mother, and later on, her adult daughter.
Sylvia always swore she would never become like her mother. She hated the secrecy involved. What it ultimately did to their family. And how it ended in tragedy.
But an attraction to the father of one of her art students compels her to jeopardize her marriage and her family despite her convictions otherwise. She seems unaware that the true tragedy lies in never coming to terms with her mother's two separate lives during her childhood. It was just never spoken about. And thus never resolved between mother and daughter.
The mother, Elaine, though religious in the outward sense, led another life as the mistress to "Mr. Robert." She brought her daughters into this relationship, by forcing them to keep her secret as they grew up. They felt guilty toward their father, who turned to alcohol to deaden his anxieties. Which further complicated and scarred the family.
Funny how life tends to inexplicably repeat itself. And in the most secretive of ways. Sylvia rides this same roller coaster of infidelity. She is consumed and driven by a passion for another man. And falls into the very same trap as her mother. As though she doesn't know what it can do to a family and a marriage, she finds herself spinning her own web of deception.
Dori Ostermiller takes us through a journey of mother and daughter and their revelations. Proving how sometimes lies and the secrecy they command can begin to consume us.
Ostermiller delves into these two characters as though she is not just their creator, but their private audience as well. These richly woven characters seem to spread their own wings and fly into being almost effortlessly. Which is giving high praise to the novelist herself.
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