From Publishers Weekly MOTHER
In the latest from Rentschler, a grief-afflicted woman finally puts
five years of mourning to use, starting a tender journey of
self-discovery with a similarly afflicted soul. Mary Sullivan is a woman
who has lost herself in the process of caring for her husband and two
sons, while grief over her own dead mother quietly consumes her. A
chance encounter at a luncheonette introduces Mary to Cathy, a chatty,
free-spirited college student. When Cathy's mother dies suddenly, the
two women forge a bond based on mutual grief. As Cathy attempts to
contact her deceased mother via a psychic, Mary embarks on her own,
divergent path to recovery; along the way, they help each other find
peace and understanding. Though unsurprising, Rentschler's book is a
quick and effortless indulgence, the lit-fic equivalent of a coffee
break: while it might lack the resonance of more layered fiction, this
novel will provide comfort and encouragement for anyone who has
struggled with grief.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Library Journal Review MOTHER
Still grieving the death of her mother five years on, Mary Sullivan has been living on autopilot. Immersing herself in the daily details of taking care of her two teenage sons and husband, she gets by with occasional lapses of overwhelming grief. During a quick stop at a luncheonette, she breaks down again only to be helped by Cathy, the young woman manning the counter. Cathy's compassion is quickly reciprocated as Cathy finds herself motherless following a tragic accident. As Mary guides Cathy through the technical and emotional aspects of a loved one's death, Mary's family grows resentful of this interruption to their domestic routine. Author and playwright Rentschler (Jitters) has beautifully blended convincing characters, perceptive portraits of family relationships and friendships, and insight into the human capacity for healing and renewal. Recommended for all popular fiction collections. -- Library Journal ReviewFrom Publishers Weekly JITTERS
From Publishers Weekly JITTERS
Rita Domino is engaged to the successful, handsome, ever-so-devoted
Dr. Evan Moore-everyone's idea of the perfect spouse. "We're all lucky
to have Evan," chirps her mother. "It's the nicest thing you ever did
for our family." So what's the problem? Struggling with everything from
feminist sensibilities to a fear of monogamy, the sharp-witted,
outspoken Rita resists the wedding plans every step of the way, much to
the dismay of her traditional Italian family, and her employers at Lady
of Leisure magazine, who are documenting-and orchestrating-the nuptials.
To Rita's horror, her "impending doom" becomes a media event, and the
couple's innermost thoughts, public information. What ensues is a spate
of family quarrels and second thoughts, as well as some surprising plot
turns. With a delightfully offbeat cast of characters and punchy
dialogue, Rentschler has written a wry commentary on the institution of
marriage and its effect on the betrothed. However, as the big day
approaches and Rita's nervousness rises to an irritating near-hysteria,
readers may wish she paid more attention to her own earlier insight:
"the promise was only love, not eternal happiness, and it provides no
guarantees."
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.