Funerals for Horses
Ella Ginsberg, the narrator of this debut novel, comes from a dysfunctional home: her sister commits suicide, her mother descends into psychosis, and her father is imprisoned. Ella, who feels she was "born the wrong species," escapes into her own private world and is protected by her brother, Simon, who takes over the parental reins in their dissolving family. As a growing adult, Ella discovers the tragedy of her abnormal behavior through the help of a therapist. Simon, on the other hand, who never dealt with the horrors in their family, disappears one day without warning from what appears to be a happy family and a successful career. Ella embarks on a journey to recover her brother and, in a series of dramatic episodes, learns to accept her past and move on with her life. Hyde, a noted short story writer, successfully offers a rich blend of metaphors and genuine characters that will touch the hearts of readers. Highly recommended for all collections.?David A. Berona, Univ. of New England, Biddeford, Me.Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.