"Clyde gently pushed Betty back to gaze at her and then pulled her close to his body again. They were totally oblivious to the Bicknell family."
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The Box in the Closet by Margaret Singleton Trafford Publishing
book review by Mihir Shah
Margaret Singleton's The Box in the Closet is primarily a fact-based novel that tracks the history of the author's birth family, and hence, her own identity. The novel portrays many themes, including, but not limited to arrogance, forgiveness, redemption, relentless thirst for the truth, unparalleled strength, and most of all an epic love story.
Perhaps the most intriguing element, outside of the story itself, is the almost cinematic structure and the various author interjections to provide relief from the intensity of the story. Indeed, one can see The Box in the Closet being an ideal fit for cinematic representation. The book revolves around Betty, who belongs to the prestigious Bicknell clan, and Clyde, an ordinary reporter for the Toronto Star. Despite the differences in their status, they fall in love and intend to marry each other. When her parents, especially James Bicknell, disapprove of the union in order to protect his own aristocratic standing, Clyde is bullied out of town and thus begins the trials and tribulations of a pregnant teenager. Despite the adverse circumstances, Betty's resolve to give birth to her baby is unwavering. Nevertheless, she is forced to give her baby up for adoption.
Interestingly, Margaret Singleton narrates her own life story, from birth and growing up on the Singleton residence to adulthood and a rocky marriage, while keeping the focus beam on the trajectory of the Bicknell family and her ardent desire to find her birth mother. Unsurprisingly, there are many parallels between Margaret's life, and that of her mother. This story, however, is not so much about Margaret, as it is about discovering who she is by way of her family lineage. Will Margaret Singleton get the answers for which she has waited her entire life? Does Clyde and Betty's love story transcend the arrogance of her father? Can Margaret Singleton come to forgive her grandfather for separating her family and keeping them from a distinctly different reality? All these questions and more will be answered thoroughly in this profound and riveting glimpse into the heart and life of Margaret Singleton.