Finding Grace

by Mary Saracino

In this sequel to Mary Saracino's debut novel, No Matter What, 11-year-old Peanut Giovanni describes the explosive aftermath of her mother's decision to run away with her lover, a priest - taking her three young daughters with her and leaving her home, her marriage, and her two teenaged sons behind.
From the beginning, it is clear to Peanut that her mother has made a terrible mistake. The idyllic life in "Happy Town" and harmonious family Marie Giovanni had envisioned does not materialize. Instead, tragedy further devastates the Giovanni family, undermining the already-turbulent relationship between Marie and her lover. Seeking to escape an intolerable situation and be reunited with her father, Peanut finds Grace - both literally and figuratively. Memories of Grace give Peanut strength to separate herself from her mother's needs and to forge her own identity as Regina Giovanni.

280 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1999

Reviews

[Adina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brutally honest depiction of broken family dynamics and abuse with subtle-- or not so sublte-- commentary on Catholicism. I could not put it down.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my all time favorites - the one I would keep checking out from the library in Bayport!

[Sindhura Motaparthi · Rating 5 out of 5]

its very heart touching..i liked it very much..