Fontaine first paints a rich portrait of simmering tensions both between Gloria and Red Grove’s leader, Una, and within Gloria’s family, then launches a propulsive narrative of Luce’s quest for her mother ... A thoughtful coming-of-age story enfolded inside a cleverly crafted double mystery.
Though a melodramatic ending strains credulity, Fontaine shines with the complex story of Luce’s evolving understanding of her community and her family. This tugs at the heartstrings.
