Beauty, like truth, is enduring. But only one can set you free. Maggie Black came of age in the lush, fragrant lowcountry of South Caroline-spending her days with her beloved brother and the boy she would grow up to marry. But when a stranger arrived one summer, Maggie couldn't imagine the evil he would bring with him. And though she escaped with her life, the ramifications of that fateful summer would alter all of their lives forever.
Now some eighty years later, Maggie and her husband George are spending their remaining days in a nursing home, helpless as age slowly robs Maggie of her ability to communicate. When a mysterious package arrives, followed closely by a stranger whose identity haunts them, Maggie and George are hemmed in by a history they'd rather forget.
As the truth reveals itself, George knows he must face the past and its lifetime of repercussions. It's the only way to free himself and his precious wife-if it's not too late.
The Inheritance of Beauty is a rich and enchanting story about age and the ability of true beauty to transcend one's life.
My review:
The Inheritance of Beauty is a tenderly written story of beauty which never fades, the true beauty which comes from a person's character. The story line bounces back and forth between 1929 Levy, South Carolina, and the present day. It is told from the points of view of Magnolia (Maggie), George, her husband, Ash, Maggie's brother, and Annie, their caretaker. This could be confusing, if the author had not clearly noted who was speaking, as well as if it was in the past or present.
Nicole Seitz intricately weaves this story, vivid in its dialogue, humour, and description. We see the respect which is shown for the elderly, and the undying devotion of a spouse who isn't sure if his wife understands. From Maggie's point of view, we feel with her as she struggles to express herself when a stroke robs her of speech. Just reading this book gave me a clearer understanding of and respect for the emotions of a stroke patient.
This is the first book I have read by this author, but I would be interested in reading others A reading Group Guide is included, which makes it a good option for a Book Club.
About the Author:
Nicole Seitz is a South Carolina Lowcountry native and the author of five critically acclaimed novels. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's School of Journalism, she also has a bachelor's degree in illustration from Savannah College of Art and Design. Nicole is a speaker on writing, art, and faith; she's an exhibiting painter and has illustrated the covers for several of her novels. She teaches art at a local private school in the Charleston, South Carolina area, where she lives with her husband and two children. Nicole is currently working on her next book.
For more information go to Nicole's website. http://www.nicoleseitz.com
A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher, Thomas Nelson, as part of their Bloggers' Booksneeze program, and is available through www.amazon.com and wherver fine books are sold.
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