The Fence My Far Built

October 1, 2009
Muri Pond arrives in Murkee with her two children (daughter Nova, 15, and son Tru, 11) for a quick visit to settle her long-lost fathers estate, while she regroups from an unpleasant divorce and the loss of her job, her home, and her social standing. Determined to remain aloof, Muri nonetheless finds herself slowly adjusting to central Oregons high-desert ranching culture, so vastly different from Portlands lush green suburban lifestyle. And while she attempts to bridge the gap between her fathers Nez Perc' heritage and her mothers obsessively white middle-class upbringing, Muri finds herself on a journey of self-discovery, encouraged by her aunt Luties and uncle Tinys everyday, casual expressions of faith. Drawing from her own experience discovering her Native American heritage while searching for her biological father, Clares rich and thoughtful contemporary inspirational novel vividly portrays the day-to-day struggles of a neglected people against poverty, racism, substance abuse, and more, while holding out the enduring hope for second chances.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)