Monday, July 23, 2012

The Unfinished Work of Elizabeth D. by Nichole Bernier


When Kate inherits her late friend Elizabeth’s trunk of journals, she finds herself caught up in the life of someone she struggles to recognize. Dating back to 1976 when Elizabeth was about 12, the journals portray a life totally unknown to Kate and nothing is as she realizes she had imagined it to have been. Even when she reaches their introduction and growing friendship, a wholly different perspective of shared activities and interactions is brought to light, causing Kate to re-evaluate not just her relationship with Elizabeth, but with others important to her as well. In meeting the evolving Elizabeth, learning of her dreams and desires, the choices she made throughout her life, and the life she ultimately saw herself living, Kate finds herself reviewing her own world and its priorities and options.

In today’s mobile society, it is possible to have known another person 5-10-15 or more years, to feel well acquainted and familiar, and yet know nothing of that person’s history before crossing paths. Who we are, where we came from, and how we evolved into the people others see today is as open or hidden as we choose to make it. Things said or unsaid, patterns of behavior, all lead to assumptions about us by those with whom we connect. The Unfinished Work of Elizabeth D. explores this and more. Well written and engaging, for me, this book has triggered many thoughts far beyond its story.

CAS

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