Gracefully, Like a Living Thing: The Sequel to The Savant of Chelsea
So many possibilities existed at the explosive ending of The Savant of Chelsea. The author wanted readers to believe whatever they wanted. The doctor lives out her new life as a mother while the pendulum swings between lucidity and abject insanity.
Slow Dancing After midnight, a mysterious stranger appears at the edge of the woods and the peaceful life fifteen-year-old Ellen Fisher has with her beloved stepfather Frank is turned upside down. Small town gossip, jealousy and murder strive to tear them apart in a tale of secrets and unrequited love.
The Liberation of Ravenna Morton Ravenna Morton is an American Indian woman living a very old-fashioned life in a primitive cabin at the edge of the Kalamazoo River. Facing modern problems when her lifelong affair with a Greek artist is closely examined by their children after a child she gave up for adoption dies, The Liberation of Ravenna Morton captures the small-town dynamic of a family’s private secrets being exposed to the world. A poignant look at the melding of two Americanized cultures observed under a microscope.
Ravenna’s Dream As Christmas approaches, family discord upsets Ravenna Morton’s plans for the usual holiday gathering at her cabin on the Kalamazoo River. After a disappointing Christmas Eve, a visitor in the night guides Ravenna on a path toward healing and self-forgiveness. Surprises come later on Christmas, saving the holiday.
A beautiful companion piece to The Liberation of Ravenna Morton, available on Amazon, and a taste of the sequel, Oh Beautiful, coming soon.
Mademoiselle Gorgeous Pipi Wiener’s family changes forever when their dad is tragically killed in the Vietnam War. Maybe because of it, marriage and family, mother’s objective for all her daughters, is the last thing on Pipi’s mind. Pipi’s thrilling goal is to work in Manhattan, writing for Mademoiselle, a glossy fashion magazine she grows up with, having four older sisters.
Then, handsome Walter Spencer walks into her life, upsetting her perfectly executed plot. Too strong to give into love, Pipi is determined to stick to her plan. Taking a job with the Department of Defense to run from his broken heart, Walter never forgets beautiful Pipi.
In the end, Pipi has a choice to make – will she follow her exciting dream? Or is there an even greater plan, including everlasting, love waiting for her?
SuzanneJenkins.net
Questions for Discussion
1. How would you feel if you discovered that you had another sibling? Would you seek or avoid a relationship?
2. If you discovered a secret about your own ancestry as Maria did at the end of her life, how would you handle it? Did she do the right thing? How do you think April handled the rejection? Should she have pressed?
3. Ravenna’s children represent a cross-section of viewpoint regarding their mother, from Ozzy, who is ashamed of her, to Michael who self-medicates to avoid the truth, to Regina, who’s made her life about supporting her mother’s craft. How do you see the other’s responses in relationship to their mother? Do any of the characters reflect what you have experienced in your family?
4. What are your thoughts about Dexter drugging his wife? Should he tell her? If she finds out on her own, what do you suppose the repercussions will be?
5. Are there unrecognized subgroups in your community such as the Native American family represented in the novel? How does such a culture enrich our communities? Why aren't they appreciated? Or are they?
6. Ravenna is an urban legend in her community, yet she is ignored. Neighbors tolerate her hikes along their waterfront property, yet no mention is made of them reaching out to her. What does it take to reach out to someone whose lifestyle is different from yours?
7. Weaving baskets is a metaphor for the dynamics of this family, and represents a noted Native American craft. Does any particular folk art such as quilting or lace knitting reflect your heritage?
8. Authors often consider the setting as a character. How does the setting, the wetlands of Michigan, add to the story’s tension, or could this narrative occur in another location, such as the desert southwest?
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Part II
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Part III
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Author’s Note
Webography
Questions for Discussion
The Liberation of Ravenna Morton Page 27