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Set in the Lowcountry area of South Carolina, the story revolves around Genevieve (Genny), age ten; her grandmother, Nannie; and her mother, Louisa. Nannie and Genny are very close companions, and Genny loves hearing Nannie's stories about the family and her life. Drama ensues when Nannie dies under mysterious circumstances, and both Nannie and Louisa have premonition "dreams" preceding the death. Nannie and Genny's great-great-grandmother was known for having second sight, and when Genny starts hearing and seeing things herself after Nannie dies, she doesn't know what to do. There is also trouble brewing in the area over a potential development of an oyster factory. Was this related to Nannie's death? Throughout the story, there are trials and tribulations as well as the daily goings-on of the Lowcountry and family concerns. How does Genny cope with her second sight, if that is what it is? How does the family cope with trauma? And does Louisa ever come to terms with her own "dreams?"
This beautifully written, poignant story set in the 1960s delicately weaves around the main characters with sub-characters who also offer important storylines. Each character is written in depth through the eyes of someone who seems to know them personally, and the main storyline keeps the reader wondering until the end. The narrative paints the local color of the people, places, and things with a small-town nostalgia. There is a mysterious, magical tone that underlies the book, a spiritual sense that doesn't even have to be stated. The stories of grief and loss, love and laughter, are told with compassion. In the end, this is a story of mystery, love, and the connection between family and friends, where friendship becomes family.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review
A ???? Eric Hoffer Book Award Category Finalist