Upcountry: A Novel
Author
R.M. Doyon
Publisher
CreateSpace
4 Review Copies Left
JANE SCHUMACHER is a smart, spirited and often profane press secretary to the Governor of New York. Immersed in the thrilling world of political warfare, she is shepherding her popular and charismatic boss for a serious run for the White House. But after visiting her doctor just before Thanksgiving, she questions whether any of her dreams will come true. Angered and shaken, the high-powered political operator abruptly cancels her holiday plans to return to her upcountry New York hometown to make amends with her long-estranged family. Upon her arrival, however, Jane begins to doubt her decision as she encounters reminders from her troubled past. A chance reunion with an old beau, now the county sheriff. Then a few awkward moments wtih a distant father before coming eye-to-eye with Joanne, her skeptical and dismissive fraternal twin sister. Finally, there is Denny, Joanne's vulgar and violent husband of twenty years. But throughout it all, Jane remains haunted by the voice of her late mother. Thanksgiving dinner is a disaster, and as she storms from her sister's house, vowing never to return, Jane discovers her sister's painful secret. But return she does only to face a fateful dilemma: should she simply rescue her sister from Denny's evil clutches or take justice into her own hands? But for Jane Schumacher, nothing is ever simple. Nothing is cut and dried. The sisters flee the scene and embark on a cathartic, emotional journey through the Adirondacks in pursuit of a lifelong mission. And, as they rekindle a love that only twins can feel for each other, they share in a series of shocking revelations. Only then do they discover what is truly important in life and in death. Set against an engaging backdrop of modern political times, Upcountry is a riveting, page-turning story of sibling strife, of affection and joy, sadness and grief, and finally redemption and rebirth.
Reviews
R. M. Doyon has written a novel that puts you right in the middle of a very dysfunctional family and yet you come to understand and like them. I could not put it down and was disappointed when I came to the end.
The book troduces us to Jane, the press secretary for the governor of New York who is about ready to start his bid for the US presidency. You know something is going on and that she has gotten bad news though you do not find out to much later what it is. She decides to leave her apartment in New York City to go upcountry, back home to be with her family rather than her boyfriend over Thanksgiving. You are not sure why because her family upbringing was not a good one and yet she is compelled to go back home.
Jane has a twin sister, Joanne who is married to a man who owns a septic system cleaning company and he is just as foul as the material he works with each day. Just hearing them over Thanksgiving dinner you to see more and more of this family’s issues and why Jane had decided to leave her home many years ago.
After dinner, things take a drastic turn and soon Jane and Joanne are on the run, going further upstate.
Throughout their run from the law, you discover more and more about these two sisters and why they have ended up the way they are. You are pulling for them though you know they are in big trouble.
Doyon does a good job of enfolding this family for you and as you discover their secrets, you understand more and more why they are the way they are. Yet, there is hope throughout as you see Jane and Joanne deal with their past and are honest with each other and themselves for the first time. Your heart aches for the sisters as you see them reliving the past and facing the future. You see the depth of sin and but you also see redemption, all unfolded in a very real, not over sentimental manner. This novel has it all: mystery, coming of age, humor and good writing. I look forward to reading more from Doyon.
Reviewed on 02/11/2011 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Janice Hidey
