“…this enthralling second novel takes the reader by storm as Hope Jones, Nebraska mother of three, is whisked away by a 1978 tornado, her body never found. The novel opens 25 years later, when Hope's children—grown but not grown up—gather for their father's funeral after he's killed by a lightning strike.
Llewelyn's death is one of many quandaries haunting his children: daughter Larken, an overweight professor beset by fear of flying; son Gaelan, a television weatherman with too many women in his life; and the youngest, Bonnie, who stays in Emlyn Springs working odd jobs. Alvina Viney Closs, Hope's best friend, also has issues to resolve.
Themes of family bonds and conflicts, secrets and sorrows also marked Kallos's debut novel (Broken For You) and this time she weaves in an idiosyncratic view of the role of the dead in the lives of the living, sharp takes on business, academic and sexual politics, and a palpable empathy for small Midwestern towns. This novel will find a welcome audience in anyone who has experienced grief, struggled with family ties or, most importantly, appreciates blossoming talent..”
Sing Them Home is the second novel from Kallos. At the Iowa Center for the Book website, you can read more about the author and very soon, you’ll find discussion questions for Sing Them Home to aid your local book groups.
The book is currently available in paperback, CD, and downloadable audio versions; a large print edition is expected by January 1st. As in years past, NWILS office should receive multiple copies of Sing Them Home in various formats to lend to Northwest libraries—we’ll let you know when those arrive!
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