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After her mother's suicide, Evalina Toussaint, an emotionally troubled piano prodigy, is sent to Highland Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina. There the 13-year-old meets fellow patient Zelda Fitzgerald, the mercurial wife of F. Scott, who treats Evalina as if she were her daughter, "Scotty." Emily Woo Zeller narrates with the wide-eyed innocence of the teen who sees and recounts much of the inner workings of the institution. Her voice matures appropriately over the 12 years from 1936 to 1948, when a tragic fire kills eight patients at the hospital, including Zelda. Lee Smith's sideways glance at Zelda doesn't add much to what is already known about her, but Evalina's story is intriguing, and Zeller's lively narration keeps the novel engaging. S.J.H. (c) AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine

August 5, 2013
Zelda Fitzgerald is fictionalized and given a supporting role in Smith’s (On Agate Hill) chronicle of a girl whose life is changed by a North Carolina mental institution. In 1936, after her mother’s suicide in New Orleans, 13-year-old Evalina Toussaint is sent to live at Highland Hospital. There, she’s mothered by Grace Potter Carroll, the director’s wife, who gives Evalina music lessons and a shot at a normal life. Evalina also meets F. Scott Fitzgerald’s wife, Zelda, who swings from sweetness to cruelty, and often mistakes Evalina for her daughter Patricia. Mrs. Carroll and Evalina grow apart as the latter leaves Highland to attend school and eventually become engaged. When tragedy strikes and Evalina finds herself once again at the hospital, the Carrolls are no longer in charge, though Zelda remains among the changing crop of patients. At this point, the book becomes truly engaging, as Smith introduces characters like the charming Dixie Calhoun. Evalina also finds herself smitten with groundskeeper Pan Otto, who was found locked in a cage as a child, and doctor Freddy Sledge. Many tragedies pepper the narrative, including the fire that bookends the story, all of which are handled in a touching manner. Smith’s novel takes a while to blossom, but really takes off once it does. Agent: Liz Darhansoff, Darhansoff, Verill, Feldman Literary Agents.

March 15, 2014

Evalina Toussaint is 13 years old in 1936 when her mother commits suicide and her mother's wealthy lover sends her to a mental institution. Highland Hospital is famous for its progressive and often unorthodox treatment of the mentally ill. Evalina enjoys the musical and artistic programs the hospital includes in its therapy, and eventually she becomes a surrogate daughter to Highland's most famous patient, Zelda Fitzgerald. Smith (On Agate Hill) uses Evalina's story to offer insight into and historical perspective on the treatment of the mentally ill and the social position of women in the first half of the 20th century. Well-researched historical detail blends with fiction to create memorable characters in a unique setting during an interesting era. Emily Woo Zeller's lively narration keeps the listener engaged. VERDICT Recommended for public libraries and fans of historical fiction. ["Those who enjoyed Smith's previous work will certainly appreciate this absorbing book, as will those interested in the history of treating mental illness in the United States and fans of Southern or Appalachian fiction," read the review of the Algonquin hc, LJ 10/1/13.]--Cynthia Jensen, Gladys Harrington Lib., Plano, TX

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