(Reviewed by JD Jung)
Lacey and Edith, ages seventy and seventy-one respectively, have been estranged for forty-four years. It’s now 1990, and Edith decides to travel across the country to visit her one-time best friend.
Lacey, born in Prague, now lives as a recluse in a Los Angeles hotel . The staff acknowledges that she seldom leaves her suite, and she sees no one. Keeping that in mind, she doesn’t acknowledge Edith’s arrival. The tension builds as Edith waits for hours in the hotel lobby, prompting readers to ponder the mysteries surrounding their fractured friendship. So, what happened between them and why is it so important that Edith sees Lacey now?
As the narrative unfolds, we are transported back in time to the origins of Lacey and Edith’s relationship, tracing their bond from their adolescent years at summer camp through the tumultuous era of World War II to the present day. Through author Maria Hummel’s masterful storytelling, we gain insight into the dynamics of their friendship, shaped by their divergent backgrounds and family histories. We also learn how each of them see their past relationship differently.
One of the novel’s strengths is that it acknowledges the complexity of human relationships. This includes looking at socio-economic class in a unique way. Another is the portrayal of the supporting characters, who are intricately woven into the fabric of the story and the development of Lacey and Edith’s relationship. This adds depth and richness to the narrative.
Make sure you read the “Afterword” to learn what motivated the author to write this story. The additional layer adds depth to an already captivating tale.
Goldenseal is one of the standout novels of recent years. I highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates a beautifully crafted story that delves into the complexities of human connections.
