The Hummingbird's Cage

June 22, 2015
Dietrich's debut novel is a richly imagined tale of finding strength and redemption. In present-day Wheeler, N.M., Joanna is a devoted mother trapped in an abusive relationship with Jim, a vicious police officer. No one believes her stories of his violence until his ex-girlfriend, Bernadette, shows up and offers to help her. Joanna and her daughter, Laurel, make a break for it and end up in the idyllic mountain town of Morro. While there, they rest and heal, develop friendships and romances, and build up the strength to go back and face Jim. However, the longer they spend there, the more Joanna believes that all in Morro is not what it seems. She realizes that unlike the other people in Morro, she has a choice to leave the lovely town, and she must take it to protect Laurel and build a life for her, even if that means confronting the man who wishes her harm. Dietrich paints a beautiful picture of the town of Morro, which escapes its place and time in an utterly charming fashion. She also realistically depicts abuse. However, the magical aura around Morro never quite clicks for readers. There are hints of spiritual elements from a variety of cultures, but they don't gel properly, and no one ever quite acknowledges what Morro is, even the residents. This frustratingly takes readers out of the narrative. The fantastical elements and setting have potential, but the story is too uneven.

June 1, 2015

When Joanna meets the attractive and charming Jim West, she can't believe her luck. But it doesn't take long for Jim's abusive nature to manifest itself. Long separated from family and friends, Joanna has no one to turn to in their small town; she can't even call the police because Jim is a deputy sheriff for the county. She does her best to protect her young daughter, Laurel, and suffers in silence until the day Bernadette, Jim's ex, arrives in town. Bernadette survived Jim's attacks and wants to help Joanna, giving her money and plane tickets. Joanna and Laurel flee but don't get far. One minute Joanna is seeing Jim's flashing lights in her rearview mirror, and the next she's waking up in an old farmhouse. Given shelter and safety there, Joanna begins the process of healing in a peaceful place. VERDICT An abused woman reclaims the power she lost and moves on with her life in this well-written debut story that makes readers hope for more from this talented author. Recommended for fans of Barbara Delinsky and Luanne Rice.--Lynnanne Pearson, Skokie P.L., IL

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