Serendipity's Footsteps

Reviewed by: Laurel T Parker - Windham Public Library, Windham, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 9, 2015

Review

In this novel, which spans 1938-2013, three main characters find their place in life in unexpected ways. Dayla, a Holocaust survivor, takes time and space to put her shattered life together with the help of a chosen few who are supportive and understanding. Ray, whose immediate family is gone, decides to break from the life she knows in Jaynis, Texas, to seek a new start in music. Her get away is not a clean break for Pinny, who lives at the same home and has Downs Syndrome, follows suit and leaves with unsuspecting Ray. As they journey toward New York City good and bad characters all play a part. Along the way Ray tries to ditch Pinny but learns that she cannot. As they reach their goal, a shoe tree, they meet Dayla and an unexpected life for them both, all thanks to the shoes that Pinny wears, made by Dayla 70 years ago.

Nelson does a masterful job of weaving together interesting characters, bringing people together who relate to others journeys, showing the tenacious spirit of the human heart, and letting folks share their story when the time is right. Insight into the Holocaust setting, struggles of high school youth, and the conflict faced by someone with Downs Syndrome are well crafted.

Overall Book Score: excellent