by Isabelle Rowan
CCCCWoof. Okay, that was a rough read--Good, but tough.
"We all want to be stronger and better. Sometimes just to prove that we're good enough to be respected ... or loved."
John, taking an executive escape for health reasons, scampers across town to run a small cozy bookstore, Margins. A longtime neighborhood retreat there are a steady stream of regular visitors. Some more desirable than others.
Jamie, the previous owner's son and assistant stays on to help run the place. He knows the ins and outs and all the regulars count on him, including David. Jamie's heart is big, open and fearless. When John wants to kick David out, Jamie stays his hand.
David. He represents different things to different people, but he is one of the "invisible". And his story is all the more heartbreaking because it is not contrived.
I found this story emotionally difficult, and while I usually resent that sort of manipulation, I couldn't here. How we as a society treat those less fortunate speaks volumes. I liked that characters made mistakes--some more egregious than others. John, is not a perfect man. In fact, there are several instances of cruelty that struck deep. But, only a hypocrite or liar would claim that they've never once done something similar.
There are complicated issues addressed: homelessness, mental health, social welfare, and humanity. They are not glib or pretty and there are no simple, easy answers. I liked that it didn't negate the issue with cursory treatment.
This book is a mirror and you will see yourself.
It was just another reminder that life wasn't that neat little jigsaw puzzle with a picture-perfect goal at the end.
No comments:
Post a Comment