Title: The Frayed Ribbon
Author: R.W. Hart
Publisher: iUniverse
ISBN: 978-1-4917-8429-7
Pages: 186
Genre: Fiction / Humorous
Reviewed by: Suzanne Gattis
Buy on AmazonPacific Book Review
What does family really mean to you? Is it the people who we grew up with, or all those we have met along the way that make an impact on our heart? I, like the author, believe it is the latter of the two. In The Frayed Ribbon, R.W. Hart takes on that question as we see the ups and downs, the joys and sorrows of loving someone dearly in this world and for all eternity.
The main character in the book is Gail Rollins, a mother, a wife, and a sister. Sixteen years ago, her path crossed with Lexie, a child involved in a terrible accident who was separated from her parents. Becoming a surrogate parent to this dear child, and then having to leave her, left an empty spot in her soul that affected the way she viewed other relationships in life, including her own. Though she loved her biological children very much, a void was left in Gail’s life that ceased to be filled. With only the token of a small stuffed puppy adorned with a frayed ribbon, Gail had to resolve in her own mind the situation that she would probably never see Lexie again. Gail’s emotions are very credible to the reader, a compliment to the author. She is not just a distant character in a far off land; you feel her hurt, her worries, and her happiness.
What else does she have to be emotional about? Well, now introducing Gail’s extended family. To say that they are a handful is an understatement. Between unruly children and sister-in-laws that just won’t help out, to a commitment-phobic brother, there is never a dull moment when the family gets together for Christmas. As a reader, it solidified that sometimes families act as if they don’t like each other. However, a true family will always love one another. We all have “that relative” whom we must learn to understand and deal with.
The themes of family and adoption are very prevalent in this book. R.W. Hart openly discussed the benefits and fears of searching for birth parents while at the same time finding acceptance of oneself. The concepts of forgiveness and service to others are also spread throughout the pages of this story. With such positive themes, this novel is a “feel-good” book in many ways.
Families that do sacrifice for each other; miracles will happen. If you’re looking for a well-written novel that may make you think of your own family, both with the good and the bad aspects, I suggest you spend an afternoon or two curled up with this book.
