River Woman: A Novel - Softcover

Hemans, Donna

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0743410408 ISBN 13: 9780743410403

Publisher: Washington Square Press, 2003

Synopsis

As she washes her laundry in the Rio Minho, Kelithe is startled from her daydreams by women's screams. It is not until she sees a small body in the shallow water that she realizes what has happened. Her young son has drowned. The Women of Standfast, Jamaica, whisper that she let Timothy die so that she could seize her chance to join her mother in America. Numb with grief, Kelithe lacks the strength to confront them. She can only wait for the funeral. And for her mother to come stand by her at last. What really happened at the river? It is a question Kelithe's mother cannot ask and an accusation Kelithe will not answer. And it lies at the heart of this shattering novel of promises kept and broken. In spare prose, Donna Hemans lays bare the human heart, exploring the unyielding bonds joining mother and child and the many facets of truth.

About this title

Review:

The New York Times Book Review A graceful, absorbing first novel.

Booklist A powerful look at guilt, betrayal, stunted ambition, and tortured maternal instincts.

Jewell Parker Rhodes Author of Douglass' Women A lovely and lyrical debut, filled with insight and honesty. Donna Hemans is a splendid writer.

Synopsis:

As she washes her laundry in the river, Kelithe is startled from her daydreams by the sound of women screaming. It is not until she sees a small body in the shallow water that she realises that her young son, Timothy, has drowned in the Rio Minho. The women of Standfast, Jamaica, whisper that she stood and watched Timothy die. Numb with grief, Kelithe lacks the strength to answer their accusations. Into this cauldron of guilt, grief, and suspicion, Sonya returns to bury the grandson she never knew. Fifteen years ago she left for America, promising to send for her five-year-old daughter soon, soon. But by the time Sonya was finally ready to bring Kelithe to America, her daugher had grown to womanhood and borne a child of her own. In a wrenching recurrence of family history, Timothy would have to stay behind. But Sonya would send for him soon, soon. What really happened at the Rio Minho? It is a question Sonya cannot ask, and one that Kelithe will not answer. And it lies at the heart of this shattering novel. In spare, powerful prose, Donna Hemans lays bare the human heart, and the many facets of truth.

About this edition

• Publisher: Washington Square Press
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0743410408
• ISBN 13: 9780743410403
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 256