Deborah Lee Luskin's Into the Wilderness (White River Press (2010) is a refreshing love story. Everyone enjoys a good love story from time to time, but this is a love story that's not your same-old, same-old.
It's the story of Rose Mayer, who in 1964, at age 64, is a widow for the second time. She goes to visit her son and his family at their Vermont summer home, and is totally out of her element. Where are the other Jews? Where are the Democrats? Where, in her mind, is civilization in general, for pete's sake? She's feisty and funny, resilient and heartwarming. Also 64, Percy has never married, never left home really, and works for the state extension service. What brings these two disparate characters together is music. They meet a classical music concert and there their charming and touching relationship begins.
Luskin's skill with dialogue, her ability to evoke the gardens and green of Vermont as well as that point in time serve her—and the reader—well. Oh, and the music! It's as much a character as Rose and Percy. Put this on your winter reading list.
Luskin has lived in Vermont since 1984. You can find out more about her and the book at www.deborahleeluskin.com. There's a video interview with the author there, too. Enjoy!
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