Review of Every Precious and Fragile Thing by Barbara Davis
As soon as I laid eyes on Every Precious and Fragile Thing, I was reminded of how deeply stories about family reconciliations can resonate in our lives. Barbara Davis, whose previous work The Echo of Old Books I adored, masterfully interweaves themes of loss, love, and the complexities of motherhood. I was not just excited to dive into her new tale; I was practically yearning for the emotional journey that awaited me.
At the heart of this novel is Mallory Ward, a social worker whose life takes an unexpected turn when tragedy strikes one of her young clients. This pivotal moment propels Mallory back to her childhood home on the breathtaking coast of Rhode Island. But returning home isn’t merely about nostalgia—it becomes a confrontation with her fraught relationship with her mother, Helen. Their bond, long strained by misunderstandings and unspoken resentments, is the essence of the book. It is here that we begin to see the fragility of familial ties, beautifully encapsulated in the quote: “The dying keep their own calendars, their own to-do lists. Wrongs to right. Loose ends to tie up.” This resonated with me deeply, serving as a reminder of the unfinished business we all carry, often without even realizing it.
The narrative is structured in three distinct viewpoints—Mallory, Helen, and Estelle, Helen’s neighbor and Mallory’s ex-fiancé’s mother. While this multi-perspective approach adds richness to the story, I found myself struggling with the pacing. For the first portion of the book, the plot felt a bit slow, and I questioned the inclusion of a murder subplot that seemed to distract from the heart of the narrative. However, as I turned more pages, I was pleasantly surprised by how the pace picked up, leading me to moments of genuine excitement and emotional engagement.
I will admit that initially, I found Mallory frustratingly fragile and defensive. Yet, as her character began to evolve under the weight of her past and the revelations that emerged, I found myself rooting for her. Helen, the mother, quickly became my favorite character—her dedication to her patients and her hidden struggles brought layers of depth that transformed my understanding of their relationship.
One standout aspect is the author’s moving depiction of the characters’ backstories, particularly through Helen’s journal entries. While I found this device somewhat clunky at times, it ultimately added a poignant element to the narrative, giving readers insight into her complex life as a caregiver. Furthermore, the exploration of second-chance romance hints at hope in the most unexpected places, touching upon the notion that sometimes love and reconciliation are born from the most painful circumstances.
In conclusion, Every Precious and Fragile Thing is a heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and the longing for connection. It will resonate particularly with readers who appreciate stories that delve into the complexities of family dynamics and cherished memories. Barbara Davis has crafted a tale that is both significant and insightful, proving yet again that she is a skilled storyteller. This book may just inspire you to reflect on your own relationships and the sometimes painful, yet necessary steps toward healing.
For anyone grappling with familial estrangement or simply looking for a poignant, character-driven narrative, Every Precious and Fragile Thing is a book worth savoring. Trust me, it may just linger long after you’ve turned the last page.
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