Keith, Auggie's father, can no longer function as a top chef in the culinary world. He takes a job in a diner and tries to keep from losing even this job while continuing to search for his missing son. Each section is seen through a different person's point of view, and Keith really captured my heart. His talent is obvious as we read about his culinary creations (each description sent me to the kitchen for a snack), yet he has clearly lost his way. He brings a supernatural aspect to the book with his sightings of Auggie's "ghost." While I am not a fan of supernatural elements to a story, Souza even sold me on this point.
While mother Claire hides her anguish in political interests, Auggie's three siblings are fighting their own battles. Oldest child, Frenchy, wants to put off college and make money to contribute to the family's battle to save their home. She meets an interesting stranger who offers her a "perfect" job. Youngest child, Beanie, is forced to grow up too quickly, while middle child, Shippen seems to be the most troubled. Most authors describe what the young characters in their books are going through, but Souza actually puts the reader in the mind of each character.
I also enjoyed the small town setting that allowed us to accept the interference of other people into the lives of this distraught family. The bonus for me was the mystery that wove its way through unexpected twists and turns to a well written conclusion.
- Beverly
Publisher - Kindle Press
Date of Publication - March 3, 2015