Little Night: A Novel
In her thirtieth novel, Rice (Silver Boat, 2011) continues to find original ways to mine her signature themes of love and family as she introduces sisters Claire and Anne and their strong yet complicated bond. That bond is all but severed once Anne becomes trapped in an abusive marriage and withdraws from family and friends. Claire ends up in prison for assaulting her brother-in-law in a bid to rescue Anne, who testifies in defense of her spouse. Rice fast-forwards 20 years to when the sisters are completely estranged. Claire, who has struggled emotionally since Anne’s betrayal, is surprised by the appearance of her niece, Grit, who has been thrown out by her parents and now hopes to connect with the aunt she barely knows. As the two grow close, they long to complete the circle and reconcile with Anne. Rice manages to create a fair measure of suspense around a reunion that feels inevitable, holding Anne at arm’s length for much of the narrative. Never rushing her story or revelations, Rice reaches the satisfying conclusion that while wounds runs deep, love runs deeper.  HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: A major national promotion campaign will support best-selling Rice’s milestone novel, including a May 1 release of an “e-special” (How We Started, $3.99) containing two short stories. --Patty Wetli--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.