Summer of Rescue - Softcover

Nelson, Barbara

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0684801140 ISBN 13: 9780684801148

Publisher: Scribner, 1995

Synopsis

Set against the taut yet passionate landscape of the dry heat of Mirage, Arizona, Summer of Rescue illuminates the stunning, often ambiguous emotions of a woman coming to terms with her life.

For Clare Nichols, wife and mother, the summer of her fortieth year is a time of reminiscences and regrets, a time to reconsider the past and to contemplate the possibilities of a new beginning. As Clare finds herself tempted by the romantic entreaties of a younger man, enviously watches her daughter become a woman, and confronts the memories of the tragic death of her son many years before, Nelson transforms the common events of life into a novel of uncommon grace and power.

About this title

About the Author

Nelson received her MFA in Creative Writing from Arizona State University.

From Kirkus Reviews

The characters in this subtle, beautifully crafted first novel are both believable and likable. Nelson has peopled a small Arizona town with complex, well-meaning souls who illustrate the drama of daily life. Clare has agreed to act as musical director for a show celebrating the centennial of Mirage--her aptly named hometown. This stirs up the quiet existence of the 40-year-old wife of Paul and mother of 15-year-old Jeanine, although the summer promises to be an emotional one anyway. Jeanine has her first serious boyfriend, and Clare and Paul watch uncertainly as she lurches toward womanhood. The end of the summer will bring Clare's parents' anniversary party at the same lake cabin where Clare and Paul's son Michael drowned when he was 5. In addition, Nate--the 30-year-old choreographer of the centennial show who has just broken up with his longtime girlfriend--has confided in Clare that he would like to be her lover. When the show's director has a heart attack, Clare and Nate take over together. Their relationship grows closer and more precarious, and several illicit kisses are exchanged. Particularly crystalline are the passages where Clare watches Jeanine maturing and at the same time reminisces about her own early sexual experiences and curiosities, and expresses surprise over her daughter's vast knowledge of intimate matters. When Clare visits the library, hoping to find a book that will help her discuss sex with Jeanine, she recalls that she tried the same thing when her daughter was 10. ``The text was intended to connect with young adolescents, but instead slid down that merciless precipice that leads to the final resting place of the uncool cool.'' Nelson consistently captures the right amount of fear, resignation, and sometimes a tinge of jealousy, in Clare's thoughts. Fine, understated domestic fiction in the best sense. (First serial to Redbook) -- Copyright ©1994, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

About this edition

• Publisher: Scribner
• Publication date: 1995
• ISBN 10: 0684801140
• ISBN 13: 9780684801148
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 307