THE GOODBYE SEASON

In 1918, 16-year-old Mercy Kaplan has to say goodbye to everything she holds dear: first, her father, as he searches for work after a failed harvest; then, her mother and siblings, when Spanish influenza sweeps through their Texas town. When she finally finds a home with widow Cora Wilder and her two young children, Mercy's life is disrupted once again by murder and mystery, putting her in a situation that requires her to choose between love and her hard-won independence. An easy Southern accent rolls through Georgette Perna's narration, giving Mercy a sense of calm despite the highs and lows of her ever-changing life. Perna’s quiet, measured pace guides the listener through the historical and emotional events, although the childlike quality in Mercy's voice is often at odds with the character of the independent and determined young protagonist. E.N. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2010]