Solemn

Buckhanon's (Conception) third novel focuses on the coming of age of Solemn Redvine, as well as life in the small town of Bledsoe, Miss. Solemn's life changes when a baby who could be her half-sibling is born to her neighbor Pearletta Hassle, and she sees Pearletta's husband throw the baby into a well. The plot becomes more complicated when Pearletta disappears and Earl Redvine, Solemn's father, commits a robbery, landing Solemn in a group home. Solemn's relatives, including older brother Landon and sister-in-law Akila, attempt to support her and look to the future, but her uneasy alliance with her roommate, a Chicago girl named Majority, makes the situation even more tense. Eventually, Majority and Solemn are forced to make a decision together about which directions to take in their respective lives. Buckhanon memorably depicts the difficulty of Solemn's situation, but as she attempts to move forward, Buckhanon also gives readers glimpses of hope. This standout novel is anchored by its vulnerable and brave heroine. Agent: Al Zuckerman, Writers House. (May)