FORMS OF SHELTER.

by Angela Davis-Gardner

Perched amid the leaves of the Osage orange tree in her stepfather’s backyard, Beryl Fonteyn observes the life around her—Mama’s desperate attempts to gain Jack’s approval by writing her novel, which he mercilessly critiques; her brother Stevie’s unhealthy fascination with acting out events from the Bible; and Jack’s obsession with his bees—all the while imagining that her runaway father will one day return. But as Beryl’s adolescent turmoil collides with the confines of Jack’s eccentric home, a shattering secret will divide their loyalties—and in one irrevocable moment the home that Beryl’s family has found, their shelter in the storm, will be torn apart forever. . . .

Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Bethany · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can't say I disliked the book, but I definitely didn't love it.

I felt that a good portion of this story is the build up to what is pretty predictable. I spent most of the book waiting for it to happen, and when it finally did I was disappointed with how the whole situation was handled.

So many other moments and events in this book were barely described, making a lot of the story seem disjointed. A few things were finally somewhat answered, but never really explained.

I never really felt anything for any of the characters except for some uncomfortable feelings for the stepfather; I thought he was a creep from day 1. I kept waiting for Beryl to wake up and realize what he was and leave. I couldnt understand why she felt they were 'saved' by him. I also wanted to slap her mother for not seeing what was happening.

I would probably try another book by this author, but I dont think I would recommend this book.

[Danece Stapleton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sad commentary on absent father, mental health and abused children.

[LaKisha Harrelson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well written but not an uplifting read at all.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy her domestic fiction based in the United States best.

[Rupali · Rating 3 out of 5]

Growing up without a father figure, Beryl Fonteyn struggles to find a real home, and desperately seeks the attentions of any male that looks her way. She, along with her mother and younger brother think they are "saved" when her mother re-marries, but the turbulence that follows through the years changes them all forever.

I found this book to be quite riveting and was surprised at feeling empathy for many of the characters in the book, good and "evil." Beryl's pain of not having her father in her life is heart-breaking and seeing her family unravel is simply tragic.

My only complaint is how towards then end some things are left unexplained. I guess it's up to the reader to fill in some blanks, but with this type of storytelling, it seems that some details should have been included. (Don't want to give away too much....)

Overall, a captivating story and I would defintely read other books by this author.

[Melanie Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully lyric writing, heavy in bee symbolism along with mythological references made by the professor step-father character, this book has a touch of North Carolina nature along with the development of an honest portrayal of familial best-intentions gone awry. While it's fiction, most of the book reads like it could be a memoir of the late 1950s. The characters are so well-developed and the dialogue so realistic, it's one of the best books I've read this summer.

[Paulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another one by the author of Plum Wine.....

Wow! Powerful book. Written from the point of view of an adult woman telling of her troubled childhood and the ramifications.

[LInda L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, but lots of terrible people. Good writer.

[Judith Federico · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it and some of the insights and writing were lovely, but I don't think I've ever encountered so much crying! Almost every other page someone was weeping. A bit of a downer to say the least.

[BK]

not for the faint of heart

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written. Lot's of bee symbolism

[Jenny · Rating 1 out of 5]

Another depressing book about women with bad experiences