The Unraveling Thread

by Priscilla Cogan

Where is Mary Poppins today when you really need her? The Unraveling Thread is a medical mystery, a tale of a family in crisis. What is the divorced Harriet McWhinnie to do? Despite a new promotion at work, everything is falling apart at home. Her octogenarian mother is slipping onto dementia. Her fifteen year old twin girls, Luna and Sola, constantly fight with each other. With multiple physical problems, Sola erupts into psychotic accusations of rape and murder. Ashamed of her sister, the resentful Luna plots to flee to her father. Five year old Justin dreams of parental reunion, and Scalawag, the hyperactive dog, is driving everyone crazy. Worst of all, the new Agency caretaker has fled the scene. Desperate, Harriet hires the stern and outspoken Agatha Stands, a middle-aged Native American with no references, no address, and a concealed past. Harriet’s ex husband, a powerful politician, soon declares war on this mysterious woman who enchants the children, relies on the paranormal, and encourages Harriet not only to date other but to resist her ex husband’s manipulations. Written with compassion, humor, and insight, Priscilla Cogan once again weaves a tale of characters and experiences you won’t soon forget.

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2008

About the author

I was a psychologist for 29 years, so that experience is very present in my books. Back in 1979, I became involved in Native American ceremonies, propelled by some strong dreams. I did 3 visions quests, the last one for 3 days and 3 nights, on a hillside with no food or water. When my husband, Duncan Sings-Alone began his own inipi community (after 7 years of training), we had two sweat lodges - one for men and one for women. Lots of paranormal experiences. We NEVER charged for any Native American ceremonies or healing. The Winona series reflects the different viewpoints and healing practices between that of Psychology and that of Native American medicine work. It is when you contrast two very different viewpoints, interesting questions arise as to the nature of reality.
You will also notice a lot of humor in my 6 published novels, because the Spirits taught me that in everything serious, there is something funny and in everything funny, there is something serious!
From psychologist to novelist and now to play writing. I love the magic of what happens in the theatre, between the actors, the script, and the audience. There is an immersion that does not happen for me in the world of cinema but does in the theatre. My first play, The Summer Cottage, won an award and is a comedy. My second play, while funny, also tackles stereotypes of age and race. My third play is very dramatic and historical about racism and also being a young vulnerable female. I suspect my next play will be an adaptation of Winona's Web.

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kindness and knowledge help troubled ones through the maze of life. Connections bring strength.
I recently reread this, and enjoyed it even more this time, with characters I love and lessons I value.

[ril]

I don't think I would've picked up this book if we hadn't chosen it for our bookclub. But we picked it in order to support a 'local' author. And I seriously regret it. I imagine our meeting next week will be on how this book could've been better written. Or how it would've looked if Cogan actually had an editor. I believe the only reason why her books have been published is because she has skipped over the general vanity presses and done the next big step--she bought her own.

Cogan seems to have misplaced one of the first (and most important) lessons in creative writing: SHOW! DON'T TELL!! The characters are smooshed together in such a way that the reader cannot tell the kindergartener from the mother in tone and word choice. Not to mention that she has put a lot of things into the book that have great potential, but skims over them in a way that is almost full of itself. "Look over here, I'm a writer."

Unwilling to truly confront her characters, Cogan doesn't remain with any of them long enough for them to develop or for the reader to sympathise with one.

No stars for you.

[Linda R Dulicai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Priscilla Cogan is a master of looking at the intertwining of relationship in a way that leaves you inspired instead of depressed. She's a great storyteller.

The lesson is looking at situations from an unexpected viewpoint that can change everything. I love the claiming of personal power by the daughter in this one.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good quick read. Story of a family that comes unraveled and comes back together. Lots of chance for empathy. A chance to walk a mile in someone else's moccasins.

[Debra a-c · Rating 4 out of 5]

Similar to Winona's Web, an intertwining of
family and the web that is weaved over many
years and generations... try to untangle the
web and you are in for some puzzling moments.