FICTION

Billie Starr’s Book of Sorries

Flatiron. Oct. 2022. 320p. ISBN 9781250138439. $27.99. F
COPY ISBN
Fired for defending herself from a sexual assault by her boss, Jenny Newberg is desperate to find a way to support herself and her bright young daughter, Billie Starr. Finding work is nearly impossible when other business owners blacklist her in their small Indiana town. When strangers approach her with a proposition to seduce a candidate running for governor, she accepts the job. The promised payment never appears, but the candidate, charmed by her beauty, tracks her down and convinces her to work for him at his campaign headquarters. As they get ready for the election season, Jenny spends less time with her daughter and relies on family and friends to help watch Billie Starr. On the night of the campaign launch party, Billie Starr goes missing, and Jenny must overcome her fear of inadequacy to find the confidence within herself to save her daughter.
VERDICT Kennedy’s second novel (after Edgar-nominated Tornado Weather) adeptly delves into the intricacies of interpersonal relationships within small-town life, much like Elizabeth Strout’s Olive Kitteridge.
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.


RELATED 

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?