Title: The Underside of JoyAuthor: Sere' Prince Halverson
Publisher: Dutton
Set against the backdrop of redwood forests and shimmering vineyards, Seré Prince Halverson's compelling debut tells the story of two women, bound by an unspeakable loss, who each claims to be the mother of the same two children.
To Ella Beene, happiness means living in the northern California river town of Elbow with her husband, Joe, and his two young children. Yet one summer day Joe breaks his own rule--never turn your back on the ocean--and a sleeper wave strikes him down, drowning not only the man but his many secrets.
For three years, Ella has been the only mother the kids have known and has believed that their biological mother, Paige, abandoned them. But when Paige shows up at the funeral, intent on reclaiming the children, Ella soon realizes there may be more to Paige and Joe's story. "Ella's the best thing that's happened to this family," say her Italian-American in-laws, for generations the proprietors of a local market. But their devotion quickly falters when the custody fight between mother and stepmother urgently and powerfully collides with Ella's quest for truth.
The Underside of Joy is not a fairy-tale version of stepmotherhood pitting good Ella against evil Paige, but an exploration of the complex relationship of two mothers. Their conflict uncovers a map of scars--both physical and emotional--to the families' deeply buried tragedies, including Italian internment camps during World War II and postpartum psychosis.
Weaving a rich fictional tapestry abundantly alive with the natural beauty of the novel's setting, Halverson is a captivating guide through the flora and fauna of human emotions.
WHERE I HEARD ABOUT THIS ONE!!!
I heard about this book from a great friend of mine. Thanks Aimee!!
WHY I'M ADDING IT!!!
This is a book that I was asked to read for a blog tour. The Blog tour will be next month actually my day to post is March 9th.
Plus when I read over the synopsis I knew I would love this book!
WHEN I'LL BE READING THIS BOOK!!!
I'm going to be reading this book this weekend possibly, if I can get this other book finished. If not I will be reading it next week! But I'm hoping to read it this weekend. Or I could start this one tonight and read both of them at the same time?
I already took a peek at this book and can't wait to start it!!
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Should I stay on the track I am now and finish the book I've been reading since last week or should I start this one and read them at the same time?
Do you think this will be a book that should be moved up my bookshelf to read?
Let me know what you think I should do!!!
