Ellease Southerland

The title of this book drew me in and I was not disappointed. I must say this was a quick fluid read for me. The writing style was somewhat poetic which made the story leave such an impact.

The story begins with a young Abeba living with her Mamma Habblesham, the midwife who delivered her, in the country eating boiled peanuts and playing with Jack. Jack was their mentally challenged neighbor who was much older than Abeba but always played with her and promised to marry her. Then Abeba's "New York" and biological mama, Angela, comes to take her back to New York. Upon arrival, Abeba discovers she has a "New York" daddy as well. Mr. Lavoisier gave Abeba his last name as well as his unconditional love, unlike her mother. During this time, Abeba is introduced to the piano and takes to it like a pro. She enjoys her lessons and showing off what she learned for her father. When Mr. Lavoisier dies of a sudden illness so does the money and the love Abeba has gotten used to.

The next phase of the story we see an extremely passive, sheltered, yet very talented Abeba residing with an overbearing mother. When Abeba graduated High School she had dreams of attending Julliard but was sidetracked by a charismatic singing preacher. Angela advised against this union but Abeba married Daniel anyway. Angela was soon pregnant and on the way to Florida where Daniel was from. In Florida, Abeba discovered a secret about Daniel that would haunt them the rest of their lives. It was at this point that we lost Abeba in the story. Abeba and Daniel had fifteen children whom she showered with that love that she so lacked from her own mother.

I enjoyed this book but somewhere between marriage and child bearing we lost Abeba. She never reclaimed her identity. It was "mentioned" toward the end but it was nothing to hold on to. The ending of this story left my heart heavy. By the end of the story, we come to find that true love will bear the madness that life can bring.… (meer)