Past Darkness

Fifteen-year-old Gabrielle "Gabe" Larson is forced to uproot from suburban Chicago and relocate to rural North Dakota after tragedy befalls her family. Living with her rancher Uncle Will and veterinarian Aunt Bea, Gabe's life takes a new direction as she slowly comes to terms with troubled family relationships and grows into a new self-awareness. Woiwode is the daughter of celebrated novelist Larry Woiwode, and talent appears to run in the family. The story is simple and moves forward through time with confidence. It could use more detail and nuance%E2%80%94the crisis that precipitates Gabe's move is abrupt, her college years are gone in a two-page blink. Woiwode's strength is in describing the North Dakota landscape and the animals that are a part of rural life, especially horses. She shows promise. (Apr.)