THE OAK LEAVES, by Maureen Lang
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
This week's novel, The Oak Leaves, is about a child with a mental disability, something I've been thinking about a lot these days since the same scenario plays a major part in Winter Haven, the novel I am currently wrapping up.
Maureen Lang thought she’d write about her experience with Fragile X Syndrome (a genetic form of mental retardation) “someday.” After all, having a child who requires round-the-clock care doesn’t make for the upbeat, escapist reading most romance novelists prefer to write about. Still, Lang wanted to include Fragile X in a story because so few people have heard of the disorder that affects her 12-year-old son. So she put the tale in the middle of a love story.
The Victorian romance of Cosima Escott is interspersed between the pages of a glimpse into the contemporary life of Talie Ingram as her world is forever altered by her son’s diagnosis of Fragile X Syndrome.
If there’s one thing Maureen Lang would like readers to take away, it’s that God loves us all, even through the trials He allows into our lives. And one more thing…the next time you happen to see a family with a disabled child…send a smile their way!
From the back cover:
Talie Ingram has an ideal life: a successful, devoted husband; a beautiful one-year-old son; and another on the way. But her world is shattered when she discovers a shocking family secret in the nineteenth-century journal belonging to her ancestor Cosima Escott. Only in reading Cosima’s words can Talie make peace with the legacy she’s inherited and the one she’s passed on to her son.
Media Reviews:
From the very beginning, Lang, a romance novelist and author of Pieces of Silver, deftly navigates back and forth in history… It’s Cosima's lingering voice—her determination and faith—that inspires Talie to reconcile her son's diagnosis of fragile X syndrome (a disability Lang's own son suffers from) with her belief that God is merciful.
Publisher’s Weekly
A tender account of unconditional love and the deeper joy that results from overcoming the odds, Lang's latest is recommended for all collections and is an essential read for those with fragile X syndrome in their families.
Library Review
“…A lush and moving tapestry of love, fear and faith…spellbinding… Flawlessly plotted, filled with flesh-and-blood characters and a radiant faith…Very highly recommended.”
Christian Book Previews
Available at a store near you or order The Oak Leaves by Maureen Lang online.
Posted byAthol Dickson at 12:44 PM
Labels: Other People's Novels
Sounds good. I wanted you to know that I linked to your review at my Saturday Review of Books, a round-up of blogger reviews that takes place at my blog (www.semicolonblog.com) each Saturday. Please feel free to link to future reviews any Saturday.
I especially would like to read about the books you enjoy since I'm a big fan of your novel, RIver Rising.
I just recently heard about Fragile X. Apparently there is a high incidence in my town. This books very interesting and a good way to learn more about this condition.