Check it out, Publisher's Weekly just gave KINDRED a starred review!
Tammar Stein, Knopf, $16.99 (272p) ISBN 978-0-375-85871-0
In this refreshing twist on a traditional call narrative, theological musings transform into urgent moral questions requiring decisive action as well as literal and metaphorical leaps of faith. Skillfully intertwining family, medical, and supernatural dramas with a sweet romantic subplot, Stein (High Dive) unleashes cosmic battles to play out among the inhabitants of smalltown Hamilton, Tenn., a setting replete with Civil War history. Narrator Miriam, a college freshman and budding journalist, responds with a persuasive blend of faith and doubt to archangel Raphael's terrifying appearance, dropping out of college after her only partly successful attempt at obeying his command to "evacuate Tabitha before the Sabbath." Thus launched on an unexpected path, Miriam confronts a serious illness and the growing awareness that her spiritual quest pits her against her twin, Moses, a recruit of demonic forces. Additional parallels add intriguing nuance, such as the Christian and Jewish faith perspectives offered by the twins' divorced parents. Miriam's initial interpretation of her illness as divine punishment gives way to more complex theological reflections in this riveting tale, an angel book that stands out from the chorus. Ages 12–up. (Feb.)
What a lovely way to end 2010. Thank you PW for that awesome review!!
More later,
Tammar
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