About the Book:
Through
the intimate bond of a companion and benefactor, Gabriela
reconciles the painful experiences of her youth as she is reshaped by the
Widow, La Viuda. Together, day after day, night after night, La Viuda immerses
Gabriela in lists, boxes, places, times, objects, photos, and stories,
captivating and life-changing stories. It seems Gabriela is not just
hired to cook and clean; she has been chosen to curate La Viuda’s mementos
while taking care of the old woman’s failing health. “As you grow thick, I
grow thin,” says the widow, portending the secret of immortality that will
overtake both women.
Gabriela and The Widow is the story of Gabriela, a 19 year old Mexican woman who migrates north (to El Norte) where she meets a dying 92 year old woman, The Widow. The novel is their story.
Overall Thoughts:
From the first line you are pulled into
Gabriela's story and later into La Viuda's (the widow) story. These two women,
even despite their age gap, bring the reader into a conscious knowing of
oneself. Younger readers will reflect on choices recently taken, while the
parent reader will look deep into a life journey they have experienced and gain
a deeper wisdom from it.
Jack Remick, though a man, really
gets into the heart of each character. He really understands human nature...why
we do what we do and the result of those actions. His characters (from the
main characters Gabriela and La Viuda to supporting/walk-ons) are vivid and
bring their own background, even if we never learn what it is. The narrative captivates
you and plays on all the emotions of each character.
Even though we noted this is a
coming of age story for YA readers, we do want to let parents know there is
language you may not want your teens reading. The wording at times can be
offensive to modest ears, but the novel wouldn't have had the same impact without it,
meaning words were used for purpose and impact and not just for shock value.
Every sentence, detail, narrative, character and voice is unique and without
them...the story wouldn't be
Places available for sale:
Gabriela and The Widow
is currently available for pre-order on Amazon.com. After January 15, 2013,
it will also be available in multiple eBook and 6x9 trade paperback editions on
BN.com, the European Amazons and Amazon Japan.
Wholesale orders can be placed through info@coffeetownpress.com Baker & Taylor or Ingram. Libraries can
also purchase books through Follett Library Resources or Midwest Library
Service.
ISBN: 978-1-60381-147-7
Publication Date: January 15, 2013
About the Author:
Jack Remick is a poet, short story writer and novelist. In
2012, Coffeetown Press published the first two volumes of Jack’s California
Quartet series, The Deification and Valley Boy. The final two volumes will
be released in 2013: The Book of Changes
and Trio of Lost Souls. Blood, A Novel was published by Camel
Press, an imprint of Coffeetown Press, in 2011. You can find Jack online at http://jackremick.com
You can find out more about Jack Remick, his books and World
of Ink Author/Book Tour at http://tinyurl.com/akw7kk6
Follow Jack Remick at
Author page: http://jackremick.com
Twitter: @jackremick
Publisher Website: http://CoffeetownPress.com
We learn all the time--I didn't write Gabriela with YA readers in mind but learned from you that YA is a possible readership. Some writers have no idea what they're doing. I must be one of those. Thank you for the review and the very kind words. The language, all of the language, belongs to all of us.
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