May 23, 2011

Beautiful Story of Beautiful Girl

The Story of Beautiful GirlWhat if two strangers knocked on your door, silently asking to be let in? The pair appear to be running from someone or something. Then you discover they are not alone. Tucked in a blanket is a hidden newborn baby. Nowadays, you probably won't open the door. But it was 1968 and a lonely widow answered the door.

Lynnie is a young white woman with a developmental disability. "No" is the only word she is known to mutter. Homan "Number Forty-two" is an African American deaf man. Both escaped from the Pennsylvania State School for the Incurable and Feebleminded, landing on the doorstep of widow Martha's farmhouse. Before the night is over, authorities show up. Homan escapes, but Lynnie is caught and returned back to the school. With fear and hope in her eyes, she whispers two words to Martha: "Hide her."

This moving scene is how The Story of Beautiful Girl begins. It drew me in from the beginning, kind of lost my attention during the middle, but grabbed me again toward the end. The story spans 40 years with alternating narrations among Martha, Lynnie, and Homan. It takes us on a journey of love and finding those who belong together. I initially added this book to my reading pile because of the cover. It is flawless! Between the hardcovers are pages with a beautiful story.

Title: The Story of Beautiful Girl
Author: Rachel Simon
Published: May 2011
Pages: 340
Edition: Hardcover
Rating: ♥


1 comment:

  1. Thanks for stopping by my blog. i think i was in the middle of revision. I added some pictures of my social events, when you have time stop by and check them out. This book reminds of one i read a few years ago. i have been trying to think of the name of it. women of beauty i think, anyway, take care.

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