"How do we become that which we are?" This initial question aptly summarizes the plot of this sequence of fictional accounts linked by philosophical musings, poetry, meditative-style journal entries, and more.

It's the story of people striving to be more than they presently are - sometimes with great dignity but more often than not through strength defying the deepest humiliations and indignities life can present. In fact, it's even hard to judge the characters for their faults so embedded are they in the thread of events that almost paralyses each character in its habitual, patterned repertoire of verbal and emotional reactions. Such is the stuff of lifetime cycles.

What makes this novel unique are the musings and determination of each character to believe in hope, to defy the previous destructive cycle with rebellion that might entrap a person but might also free that person. Maggie is probably the main character for most of the novel who leads her family to a different solution to age-old problems of poverty, low self-esteem, and vision snuffed out by suffering. However, age, looks, location, personality, etc. - nothing is predictable in this beautiful tapestry that this very talented author weaves. The end result is astonishing, to say the least!

Potent, poignant, and amazing! See if you don't find a piece of yourself herein!

Reviewed by Viviane Crystal on June 18, 2006

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