Saving Elijah

by Fran Dorf

When her son falls into a deep coma, psychologist Dinah Rosenberg Galligan faces a terrible choice--submit to the sexual advances of a man who can save her boy's life or watch the child die. 12,500 first printing.

389 pages, Hardcover

First published June 5, 2000

About the author

Fran Dorf is the author of three internationally published, acclaimed works of fiction: A Reasonable Madness (Birch Lane/Signet); Flight (Dutton Signet) and Saving Elijah (Putnam)
Fran is also an expert on bereavement and blogs as THE BRUISED MUSE on "life, grief, and everything inbetween (politics, writing,
books, film, spirituality, human rights, etc.)" at

http://www.frandorf.com
http://www.bruisedmuse.com


A few of many reviews of Saving Elijah:

Stunning, spellbinding. Crackles with
suspense, dark humor, and provocative questions...and meditates with honesty and insight on the nature of parental love and responsibility."
Publisher's Weekly, Starred Review


Ambitious, imaginative, and beautifully done. Wall Street Journal

Fascinating, skillful, a fiercely compelling read. Glamour

Wrenching and poignant. Avoids easy mysticism or psychologizing. A tough minded interrogative approach to grief. Washington Post

Totally engrossing. Dorf turns the spotlight on maternal grief and exposes much of what has been mostly unspoken by those outside this sad sisterly circle. The emotions rendered here cut right to the bone. Once you experience this well written and compelling story, you will be strangely uplifted and better able to face life’s complications head on. Columbus Alive

Reviews

[Gabi Coatsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's almost impossible to categorize this book. I knew that the subject matter was about a mother's relationship with a child who might die, so I was expecting my painful reaction at the beginning of the book. But I had no idea that I'd be dealing with an evil ghost who invades the mother's world and threatens her sanity. The protagonist Dinah, is drawn with great sympathy and a ruthless eye for her flaws. The other members of the family read like real people to me. And the character of Elijah, a rather other-worldly child, will remain with me for a long time. I highly recommend this for anyone who likes books about families, relationships and the mysteries of life.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving Elijah captivated me from the prologue. Dorf's transitions between present and past are seamless. She offers a unique and insightful twist on the length a mother will go to to save her child. Through the voice of Dinah, the mother, Dorf explores concepts of theology, anticipatory grief, futile care, and the way our past shapes us and attempts to dictate our future. She avoids the easy cliches and offers a thought-provoking look into the complex relationship between mother and ill child.

[Ev Bishop · Rating 4 out of 5]

I almost put this book down in the first chapter, when I realized it was about a terminally ill child and his mother's struggle to cope . . . I'm so glad I decided to keep with it. Incredibly well-written and thought-provoking--and despite its painful subject matter, not without hope. Makes you ponder: If you could literally make a deal with the devil to save your child would you . . . or _should_ you?

Readers who appreciate Jodi Piccoult's themes will especially enjoy this book.

[Zacksmom Okon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really, really difficult to sink your teeth into....but hang in there -- it wasn't a complete waste of time. Once I was 3/4 of the way through, it started to get interesting. All in all, it was just o.k.

[Carolanne wollin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just couldn't put this book down. Every mother understands.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Een vreemd verhaal maar fascinerend. Een boek over omgaan met verlies en hoe de tijd krijgen om dit te accepteren soms ook een mirakel is.

[Jennifer Dawn]

Beautiful and haunting story that provokes deep thought and questions about our own realities and the journeys that lead us there.