Book Review: Folly

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Folly     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Laurie R. King
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Woman Main Character   Historical
Series: Folly Island # 1
Bantam, Mar 2001, $23.95, 400 pp.
Though he bravely fought in Europe during World War I, Desmond Newborn knows his efforts darken his soul. When he returns home he suffers from battle fatigue and leaves
his wealthy California family to roam the countryside until settling on a barren island in the San Juan Straits. Just when he finishes building his home, a fire destroys the
edifice. Desmond vanished, never to be seen or heard from again.

Desmond's grandniece Rae Newborn suffers from clinical depression. She inherits Desmond's island, dubbed "Folly". She intends to rebuild the house all by herself, as she believes that might help her cope with the loss of her husband and child and the resultant stay in a psychiatric ward. If she fails at this monumental task, Rae plans to end it all.

Laurie R. King is known for her police procedurals and thrillers. However, stepping into a different genre, the versatile author looks at one person's fight with a crippling mental illness that threatens to engulf her grip on reality. Readers will walk alongside and encourage Rae as she gradually takes one step forward only to stumble back two steps. Folly is an inspiring tale that brings the hope that in the darkest night daylight remains attainable.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner