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Songs in Ordinary Time
732 pages, 2017
fiction
1382 booksIt is the summer of 1960 in Atkinson, Vermont. With no help from her alcoholic ex-husband, Marie Fermoyle is raising three children on the edge of poverty. Her seventeen-year-old daughter, Alice, is becoming emotionally involved with a local priest in a staunchly Catholic town that disapproves of Marie’s divorce.
Alice’s brother Norm is a hotheaded sixteen-year-old, and twelve-year-old Benjy is isolated and full of anxieties, looking with yearning at the Klubocks next door, who seems to live an orderly, peaceful life much unlike his own family’s.
Marie has now met a new man: Omar Duvall, who talks about opportunities and riches but seems only to sponge off the Fermoyles. A lonely, desperate single mother like Marie is easy prey for con men, but she resists the temptation to doubt him. Young Benjy, though, may eventually reveal a disturbing secret that could shatter all her hopes.
Songs in Ordinary Time by Mary McGarry Morris shows us the strength of the human spirit. The characters face numerous challenges, but they keep pushing forward. It's a great reminder that we all have the power to overcome obstacles in our lives.
The book explores the intricate dynamics of relationships. It shows how they can be both a source of comfort and a cause of distress. It's a great read if you want to dig deeper into understanding human connections.
Mary McGarry Morris highlights the destructive power of secrets in this book. She shows how they can tear families apart and cause immense pain. It's a lesson on the importance of honesty and openness in our lives.
The book takes a look at the struggles of ordinary life. It shows that even the most mundane moments can be filled with drama and tension. It's a reminder that every day is a story worth telling.
Despite the hardships the characters face, hope is a recurring theme in Songs in Ordinary Time. It's a testament to the author's belief in the power of hope to carry us through the toughest times. If you're feeling down, this book might just lift your spirits.
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Songs in Ordinary Time is a masterful epic of the everyday, illuminating the kaleidoscope of lives that tell the compelling story of this unforgettable family.
Oprah Winfrey - TV host, PhilanthropistMorris's prose is often beautiful, and she shows a masterly skill at bringing characters to life.
New York Times - Newspaper, MediaMorris's narrative is well paced, flowing effortlessly from character to character, each one beautifully rendered and genuinely compelling.
Publishers Weekly - Book Reviews, NewsA rich, dense, profound novel of enduring consequence. Songs in Ordinary Time is a standout book in the vast landscape of American literature.
Kirkus Reviews - Book Reviews, Criticism