Shelter Half
Bly, who died last year, is best known for her insightful short stories centered around the varied characters of a small Minnesota town. This compelling debut novel continues that theme, exposing the interwoven lives of the flawed, mostly likable inhabitants of tiny St. Fursey. The book opens with the discovery of a young woman’s body by strawberry farmer Dieter Stolz, a 78-year-old widower. In quick succession, Bly introduces the well-meaning police chief, a mostly unemployed wife beater, and a car dealer with just-diagnosed cancer. Then there’s Imogene, a social worker and the daughter of the town’s wealthiest couple; her father, whose sole job is to “whiten” the questionable tactics of large corporations; and Vern, Imogene’s love interest, who quits his job at one such company, enraged at their unethical animal research. No character is skimmed over lightly, for Bly uncannily delves into the inner thoughts, desires, aspirations, and weaknesses of each of this somewhat motley cast. The murder inquiry gives way to the emotional turmoil rumbling just beneath the surface, all delivered with Bly’s signature satirical humor. --Deborah Donovan