"A Beautiful and Sensitive Novel"
He came to the orphanage after the death of his father who
has donated money over the years to St. Columba's. He had
requested that his son take his last bequest to the
sisters. As soon as he sees the beautiful little Clara,
he knows that she is his own child and determines to adopt
the five-year-old. Gordon comes from a wealthy family of
the south, had almost died in the civil war and was
heartbroken when his wife died. He has been wounded
inside and out. He has a son, Gordy, who is twelve years
old and is almost a stranger to him. Maggie Quinn is a lovely Irish lass determined to become a
nun. Father Fitzhugh and the sisters are not so sure she
is destined for the veil. She has lived at the orphanage
for several years, first as an orphan and now as a
teacher. Her favorite child is Clara. She hates the
thought of her leaving but wants to do the right thing for
the child. There is much prejudice against the Irish in
America in 1860, especially between a gentleman and a poor
Catholic Irish woman. Maggie plays the harp and the violin
and sings like a nightingale. She has so much love in her
heart that Gordon can't help but be attracted to her. THE NIGHTINGALE'S SONG is Kathleen Eschenburg's first novel
and it is obvious that a new star has come on the scene.
It is a beautiful and sensitive book destined to become a
keeper for readers. Maggie is a beautiful heroine who
loves unconditionally and Gordon needs all the love he can
get to fill his neglected soul. He can find just what he
needs with the lovely Maggie and his darling new daughter.
When she left Ireland, she left behind a lot of anguish but
with the help of Father Fitzhugh and the nuns becomes a
strong yet gentle woman. The writing in THE NIGHTINGALE'S
SONG is fresh. The pacing is a bit slow at the beginning
but picks up in the middle to arrive at a very emotional
and stunning ending. It is an extremely touching book. I
plan to be first in line for Ms. Eschenburg's next novel.
They don't get much better than this.
Reviewed by Marilyn Heyman
Posted January 28, 2002
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