All She Ever Wanted

September 15, 2006
This is a tale of multigenerational secrets, forgiveness, and reconciliation, the saga of four generations of women who ran away from their troubles. The book begins with the strained relationship between Kathleen Seymour and her daughter Joelle, who is caught shoplifting, an incident that upsets Kathleen because her father and brothers had a history of stealing. Kathleen decides to return to her hometown with Joelle to try to help save their troubled bond. She severed her family ties 35 years agojust as her mother, Eleanor, and grandmother, Fiona, had done before her. The homecoming is coincidentally the occasion to celebrate her father's birthday and his return from prison. At the same time, Kathleen reexamines her own troubled childhood. Told through multiple points of view, the story is rich in detail and provides interesting flashbacks. Austin shows how humiliation and incorrect choices can affect families for years. The unrealistic ending is trite and not particularly convincing, but the message about understanding and forgiveness is genuine. Linda Stephens provides an inspiring and somewhat entertaining reading. Recommended for large fiction collections or Austin fans.Carol Stern, Glen Cove P.L., NY

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