This story begins as a tale following two girls coming-of-age while learning to overcome their need to be accepted, and it ends as a story of justice and triumph of the human spirit over circumstances. Over the way, its action leads the reader to confront the truth about the characters’ secrets and about her/his own life.
Lindsey is working as a nanny for a summer about to begin her “real life” as a museum curator. Georgie is the fifteen-year-old older sister of younger Berty, who Lindsey is taking care of. Georgie cannot wait to grow up; Lindsey, too, cannot wait to get on with her life. However, what they would experience on picturesque Martha’s Vineyard would shape for the rest of their lives.
Themes of this story include the enduring value of the truth. This theme is timely and is often seen in our era’s headlines. Both of these young women make compromises with the truth, compromises that come back to haunt them. They learn to live authentically and pay whatever price must be paid to be themselves.
The only real limitation of this book is a lack of wholesome characters. With only a few exceptions, most characters begin their journey as profoundly flawed. However, such flaws are ultimately redeemed as the characters come to realize their true dignity. Ultimately, that dignity provides the hope that the latter part of the novel rests upon. Still, it would be nice – even reassuring – were there a few more wise characters in the first part of the novel.
Regardless, this novel is well-written and appropriate for our time. Suspense and interest rarely, if ever, wane for the reader as they approach the end. Coming-of-age stories always move me and help me in my own journey. This novel provides no exception. This is Spiro’s first novel, and I expect other great works for her to come. If the sign of a good novel is that it is more worthwhile to read than to live everyday life, this book’s enchantments will win much acclaim.
Someone Else’s Secret
By Julia Spiro
Copyright (c) 2020
Lake Union Publishing
ASIN B07Y3145PQ
Page Count: 363
Genre: Fiction
www.amazon.com