In My Bedroom

January 1, 2004
A woman fights to recover from old trauma and recent tragedy in Hill's (An Ordinary Woman) overwrought and sometimes overwritten novel. Six months after the car crash that killed her husband and daughter, documentary filmmaker Rayne Holland lies, mute, in a Savannah, Ga., mental hospital, recovering from a suicide attempt. Rayne's lifelong friend, Gayle Davis, tries to care for her, even as she experiences her own guilt, as well as a fascination with Rayne that strains her marriage. Thanks to therapy with psychologist Pauline Davis and a nascent friendship with hospital landscaper Robert Parrish, Rayne begins to improve, but her difficult father, William Mercer, remains curiously uninterested in her recovery. Rayne's friends tackle their own demons: Gayle struggles with feelings of inadequacy, while Robert harbors bitterness toward his long-absent father. When Pauline learns that Rayne is scheduled for electroshock therapy, she smuggles Rayne from the hospital; Gayle agrees to hide her friend, knowing this may damage the fragile peace she's recently established with her husband. When Rayne decides to confront William, he admits a terrible truth, and Rayne gains an unexpected ally in her stepmother. However, only after Rayne and Gayle have a long-overdue emotional exchange is Rayne's healing complete. Hill's characters have frustratingly little insight into their motives, and the resolution of terrible traumas comes too easily. Fans of the Essence bestselling author might enjoy this offering, but newcomers may find the makings of a made-for- television movie.

November 1, 2003
A victim of incest, filmmaker Rayne Holland has lost her husband and daughter in a car accident. But this compelling novel by Hill (An Ordinary Woman) focuses on the two women with the greatest effect on Rayne: her psychologist and the best friend who betrayed her by sleeping with her late husband.

Copyright 2003 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2003
Hill has written a powerful story about rape and incest and the horrible emotional and psychological effects they have on the victims and perpetrators. Rayne Holland is a beautiful woman with a haunting childhood. Her father blames Rayne for her mother's death and forces his affections on her. To deal with the trauma of the rape, Rayne develops another personality who is stronger and more capable of handling the abuse, hurt, and betrayal. Her best friend, Gayle--who is insanely jealous and envious of Rayne's beauty and seemingly perfect life--aspires to have Rayne's life. After a tragic accident, Rayne attempts suicide and is admitted to a mental hospital. Her psychologist, Pauline, realizes early in the treatment that she and Rayne have similar struggles, and she takes great personal risks to ensure that Rayne gets proper medical attention. The struggle that these three woman face in dealing with their pasts and finding healing for their futures is so poignant. Rayne's recovery will free them all from their demons.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2003, American Library Association.)