Throwing Roses

When Branda Raggan nearly dies in a car accident, her mother Margaret, a larger-than-life saloon-keeper and former country-western singer, does everything possible to help the 17-year-old cope with her head and knee injuries. Branda manages to survive pain, depression and Margaret's smothering attentions, but she succumbs to renewed despondency after she leaves the hospital and returns to her home above a Milwaukee bar. Margaret spends her savings to send her daughter to London for a six-week visit organized by Special Assistance Holidays ("special trips for people who need a little more help"), but Branda runs away from the group shortly after arriving. Rescued by Lady Sabrina, a 65 middle-aged transvestite with a heart of gold, Branda begins to appreciate life again. She helps out around the house, visits the cabaret where Lady Sabrina performs, moves among her mentor's gay and lesbian friends and learns what it means to love and to forgive. This deeply felt first novel works best when it examines the difficult mother-daughter relationship; the chapters about Lady Sabrina and homosexual experimentation seem slightly unreal in comparison. Nonetheless, Ridley offers nicely lyric writing throughout and some beautifully evoked moments of anger, depression and pain.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.