Light from a Distant Star: A Novel Review

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Light from a Distant Star: A Novel ReviewI've read a couple of Mary McGarry Morris' books, most memorably "A Dangerous Woman" and enjoyed them very much, and the same applies here. "Light From a Distant Star" is an excellent depiction of a family in flux, as seen through the eyes of Nellie Peck, the 13-year-old protagonist. Nellie reminds me a little of Harriet the Spy, in that she's always lurking around trying to hear things she isn't meant to hear, and see what's going on in the world of the adults around her. Her parents, underemployed, ineffectual Benjamin and perpetually anxious Sandy, have a lot of financial problems, some of which they try to solve by renting a room attached to their house to various tenants, including the newest one, Dolly. Dolly is a stripper, but Nellie is told she's a singer and dancer killing time until she gets to Broadway. Other members of the household include Nellie's half-sister Ruth, a rebellious teen looking for her "real father" and brother Henry, a twitchy nervous boy constantly trying to look more in control than he actually is. Added to this group are grandpa Charlie, who runs a junkyard, and his employee Max, a drifter.
The book covers a summer and fall in Nellie's life and quite a lot happens. Although the book is low-key, there's a lot of action and many different characters, all of whom are deftly managed by Morris. The struggle of Nellie's parents to hold on to their home and business, a crime (you'll have to find out for yourself, no spoilers!), a betrayal, and Nellie's growing pains are all fascinating.
In addition to Harriet the Spy, this book reminded me somewhat of "To Kill a Mockingbird" in the sense that it draws children into the adult world in a negative way. Nellie learns that she can't always assume that her interference in other people's lives is welcome, and that adults aren't always what they seem. She deals with peers whose families define the word dysfunctional, and has to make some really tough decisions.
I highly recommend this book both for the quality of the writing (Morris is a master at depicting complicated characters and making them both sympathetic and repellent at the same time) and the interesting story. It's never dull, has great characters, and just feels "real". I wanted to read more about these characters because it felt like spending time with actual people, and I liked them and wanted them to solve their problems and get a better life for themselves. Check it out, especially if you haven't read Morris before - you're in for a treat.Light from a Distant Star: A Novel Overview

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