Perennials

Cantrell (Into the Free) captures the unbreakable bonds of family in this poignant story. Sisters Eva and Bitsy have never been close, and, after a horrific fire harms one of their close friends when they are teenagers, Bitsy accuses Eva of starting the fire, and their bond seems to break forever. Eventually Eva leaves their hometown of Oxford, Miss., for Arizona and a job in advertising, and Bitsy stays behind and marries a wealthy investor. After more than two decades of avoiding her family, Eva gets a call from her father, who asks her to come home for his 50th wedding anniversary. He is planning to surprise his wife with a special garden that represents the story of their life together through flowers. Although Eva is petrified of seeing Bitsy again, her father cajoles her into making the trip. But it’s not until Eva returns home that she understands the real reason for her father’s request. Cantrell has a great understanding of family quirks and the nuances of family dynamics, and though the secondary characters are thin (and tangential sections concerning William Faulkner needlessly slow the pace), the textured portrayal of Eva will leave readers inspired. [em](Nov.) [/em]