FICTION

The Remedy for Love

by Bill Roorbach
Algonquin. Oct. 2014. 320p. ISBN 9781616203313. $24.95; ebk. ISBN 9781616204280. F
COPY ISBN
As the snowstorm of the century approaches, Eric, a small-town Maine lawyer in a messy separation from his wife, gives in to a charitable impulse to help Danielle, a young and basically homeless woman he meets in line at the grocery store. He helps pay for the groceries, then offers her a ride. Danielle asks to be dropped off on the highway just outside of town. Eric again takes pity on her, helping bring the groceries down a steep hill to a cabin on the river and getting more firewood. Danielle is suspicious and hostile, threatening retaliation from her army ranger husband. Eric leaves but finds his car has been towed with his phone inside and returns to the cabin. As the storm rages and the danger increases, Eric and Danielle must find ways to reach each other in order to survive.
VERDICT A gripping tale spun out of somewhat unlikely circumstances, Roorbach's third novel (after 2012's Life Among Giants) is highly readable, suspenseful, and well written. While infused with the flavor of rural Maine, the story transcends place and stereotypes and gets at the core of human love and grief. Recommended for all readers of contemporary fiction.
Reviewed by Nancy H. Fontaine, Norwich P.L., VT , Oct 15, 2014
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 

FICTION

Until Our Time Comes: A Novel of World War II Poland
by Miller, Nicole M
FICTION

Her Part To Play
by Erlingsson, Jenny
FICTION

The Song of Sourwood Mountain
by Gabhart, Ann H
FICTION

A Run at Love
by Shiloh, Toni
FICTION

Meet Me at the Starlight
by Hauck, Rachel
FICTION

Wives Like Us
by Sykes, Plum
More
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?