At Close of Day

"If you won't take me home, then I'll get my other family to do it" are the words that starts off this well-crafted character study by Joseph Bentz. Each chapter is written by a different member of Hugh Morris's two families, himself included. His current wife, Vonnie, knew, but kept it a secret. His three daughters knew nothing of the son and daughter he had nor the first marriage that produced them. The son and daughter from the first marriage knew little or nothing about their father. When they all meet, there are sparks, there are tender moments, and we watch the progression to a melding of the two families. While it seemed to drag a bit in the middle, the ending was heartwarming and had a lesson for all.

At first I found the narration by different characters slightly confusing and annoying. However, I now bow to the author's expertise, realizing he knew best how to tell this story. I kept reading faster and faster to find out what misery Jackie would cause next. I also wanted to find her and slap her!! A thoroughly enjoyable read and a touching story of a family and its problems created by secrets.

Okay, I know this isn't a suspense novel - but Joseph Bentz kept THIS reader turning the pages; I could hardly set the book down until I'd finished it! I believed these people. I was charmed by them and annoyed by them and anxious for them (I had a distinct desire to find Jackie and slap her!). It's a thoroughly engaging, fast read - and worth a few days' disruption from "regular life" while you give reading more time than usual!

I hadn't expecting to enjoy this as much as I did. Bentz's characters seem real, especially Hugh, the crusty old father whose illness is the hub of the story. The writing draws its power from a focus on unsentimental and believable characters reminiscent of so many people we know, too often even ourselves.