Editorial Content for The Unveiling of Polly Forrest
Contributors
Reviewer (text)
In this gripping mystery by acclaimed author Charlotte Whitney (THREADS: A Depression Era Tale), a young bride faces grief, terror and a life-threatening crisis in the process of finding herself as an artist and a strong woman.
Polly Forrest’s story is told from three viewpoints --- her own, including emotional letters to her mother; her older sister, Sarah Wolcott Johnson; and Sarah’s husband, Wesley Johnson. The drama opens with the violent death of Polly’s husband, Sam, who apparently was mowed down and mauled by a raging bull on their small Michigan farm. As the truth slowly unfolds, we see that Polly secretly has been a severely abused wife whose impulsive early marriage to Sam was a major mistake. Injuries about which she lied --- such as “falling” rather than being pushed from a wagon and sustaining many small broken bones and bruises --- were caused by Sam.
"Whitney’s fans will be pleased with this latest offering, which is bound to garner a new audience as well, with its cinematic settings and historical touches, skillfully woven into the fashioning of a feistier, farther-sighted Polly."
Gradually Sam’s criminal nature and activities unfold, leading to such terrible revelations and immediate danger that the rather flirtatious Polly must find an inner courage that neither she, Sarah nor Wes would have imagined she possesses. Background to the saga includes the woes of the Great Depression, with both physical and political implications adding depth.
THE UNVEILING OF POLLY FORREST is a minute-by-minute account deftly constructed by Whitney, who, like her characters, grew up on a farm in rural Michigan. The book’s title speaks to its contents as readers will observe pretty but “petty” Polly (as her older, rather more judgmental sister describes her) being tested in nearly every aspect of what had been an isolated, fear-bound marriage. Polly is a talented seamstress whose increasing abilities will provide saving graces as she struggles to puzzle out what happened to Sam and why the police won’t let his case go.
The presence of amusing and active children, the life of the local church as seen by Reverend Wes, and some peripheral characters whose roles gradually escalate to center stage will keep readers guessing until the final chapter. Whitney’s fans will be pleased with this latest offering, which is bound to garner a new audience as well, with its cinematic settings and historical touches, skillfully woven into the fashioning of a feistier, farther-sighted Polly.
Teaser
During the throes of the Great Depression, Polly marries for money. After her husband, Sam, dies in a freak farm accident, new bride Polly assumes she is financially set to pursue her dream of opening a hat-making business. Instead, she becomes the prime suspect in Sam's murder. Secrets abound, and even Polly's family can't figure out the truth. Narrated by Polly; her self-righteous older sister, Sarah; and Sarah's well-meaning but flawed husband, Wesley, a Methodist minister, the story follows several twists through the landscape of the rural Midwest. Each narrator has a strong compelling voice. Polly's early letters to her mother both reveal and hide her naivete, her fears and her dreams. Sarah is both caring and critical. Wesley is dedicated to his calling and his parishioners, but his weaknesses are prominent.
Promo
During the throes of the Great Depression, Polly marries for money. After her husband, Sam, dies in a freak farm accident, new bride Polly assumes she is financially set to pursue her dream of opening a hat-making business. Instead, she becomes the prime suspect in Sam's murder. Secrets abound, and even Polly's family can't figure out the truth. Narrated by Polly; her self-righteous older sister, Sarah; and Sarah's well-meaning but flawed husband, Wesley, a Methodist minister, the story follows several twists through the landscape of the rural Midwest. Each narrator has a strong compelling voice. Polly's early letters to her mother both reveal and hide her naivete, her fears and her dreams. Sarah is both caring and critical. Wesley is dedicated to his calling and his parishioners, but his weaknesses are prominent.
About the Book
Rural Michigan, 1934.
During the throes of the Great Depression, Polly marries for money. After her husband, Sam, dies in a freak farm accident, new bride Polly assumes she is financially set to pursue her dream of opening a hat-making business. Instead, she becomes the prime suspect in Sam's murder. Secrets abound, and even Polly's family can't figure out the truth.
Narrated by Polly; her self-righteous older sister, Sarah; and Sarah's well-meaning but flawed husband, Wesley, a Methodist minister, the story follows several twists through the landscape of the rural Midwest. Each narrator has a strong compelling voice. Polly's early letters to her mother both reveal and hide her naivete, her fears and her dreams. Sarah, the responsible but judgmental older sister, is both caring and critical. Wesley is dedicated to his calling and his parishioners, but his weaknesses are prominent.
The deep despair of the Depression in a rural community frames the backdrop of this compelling mystery with vivid descriptions of homemaking, farming and church activities. Animals play an important role in the narrative including Polly's dog, horses, chickens and cows. As Polly develops insight and courage to face her trials, sibling rivalry, family secrets and idiosyncratic characters are all revealed. The unveiling of these long-held secrets and the compelling mystery make for a thrilling read.
