St. Patrick's Bed

Several years ago I read a new author, Terence Green, when his book Shadows in Ashland was published. I was intrigued by the family history presented in this book as the main character, Leo Nolan, sets out to find his uncle who left home during the Depression and was never heard from again. During his journey Leo, a resident of Canada, finds himself in Ashland where he not only finds out about his uncle's life but meets a woman Jeanne and her young son Adam who will become an integral part of his future.The years have passed and in his newst book Green continues the story of Leo. Once again living in Canada, Leo is now married to Jeanne and the father of her son Adam. At 21, Adam is a fine young man who sudedenly exprsses an interest in meeting his biolgocial father. Leo sensing that Adam may be hurt by either finding or not finding his father, decides to try and find this man without Adam's knowledge.While traveling first to Ohio, the last place Jeanne knew Adam's father lived, Leo has time to reflect on the male influnces in his life which include his father Tommy Nolan, grandfather Bampi and cherished uncles. He also spends time reflecting on the death of hia biological son Aidan from his previous marriage and his dreams and wishes for Adam as he is about to embark on adulthood. Finally in the most moving parts of the book, Leo comes to terms with his and Jeannes inability to have a child from their marriage. And as we read on we wonder what the outcome of this journey ultimately will be for Leo as well as Adam.Terence Green's plot, characters and writing envelop the reader from the first page to the last one. And if readers find themselves ending the book with tears as I did, it is because the Nolans have become part of your family and you hate to leave them. I look forward to reading more books by Terence Green but now am content to read his second book Witness to Life which also discusses another aspect of this families history.

We first meet Leo Nolan in "Shadow of Ashland" seeking knowledge of his lost uncle, Jack Radey. Knowledge is found, along with a lovely woman and her young son. Leo marries Jeanne displacing she and Adam to his home in Canada, leaving behind Adam's father. Now, 15 years later, in an act of protection, Leo feels he must anonymously meet the "other" father, prior to Adam doing so. The poignant trip back to Ashland conjurs sentimental memories memorialized beautifully by the prose of Terence Green. As his passenger, the reader delves into cobwebbed rememberances of drive-ins, childhood mayhem, and life's non predictiability. You are never disappointed in Leo's sidetrips....the magical moments lie there in quivering wait.Terence Green is one of my top ten favorite male authors. This is a vast compliment, as I am somone who has read thousands of books, multiple genres, bevy of writers. His simple, quiet, sentimental style mesmerizes my eyes and heart to each page; each circumstance; each emotion. That he grips his reader san gratuitous violence and sex, multiple plot twists, or grapic language is a tribute to his abilities. There is romance, there are debacles, there are twists of thought, and there is language, but all are subtle, precise, palatable, and genuine."St Patrick's Bed" is a love song to rituals past and present; to memories enjoyed or endured; to choices desired or willed. It chants of love in all it's forms, and the music sings to each reader's soul. It is a gift to you. I would advice splurging!

Though only the stepfather, Leo Nolan deeply cares about his wife's son, Adam, a twenty-one years old University of Toronto English major, as if he sired the lad. Unexpectedly, Adam articulates the need to meet his biological father who abandoned his pregnant mother before the lad was born. Not wanting Adam hurt Leo seeks out his stepson's biological father in order to make sure he is a decent person. While conducting his search, Leo thinks back on his relations with his father, his Grandfather, and his Uncle. The sequel to SHADOW OF ASHLAND, ST. PATRICK'S BED, is a poignant look at the relationships in modern day extended families. The story line engages the reader because the characters feel so real and most people are either part of or at least know a rapport identical to that shared between Adam and Leo even though the duo do not share genes. The noble Leo who ultimately keeps the novel fresh and from turning too maudlin as his trips back down memory lane constantly shakes up the prime theme with solid subplots. Has written an exultant relationship drama that fans of contemporary tales will enjoy.Harriet Klausner