The Confessions of Frances Godwin

What transgressions would a retired high school Latin teacher in Illinois have to confess? You'd be surprised. In this fictional "spiritual autobiography," Frances Godwin looks back at the unexpected twists and turns her life has taken in this nuanced character study of a complex woman. Frances and her late husband, Paul, a college professor, shared a deep love of music, literature, and, especially, all things Italian. (Italy is almost a character itself in this novel.) Frances has known her share of trouble over the years; her daughter, Stella, has an unerring instinct for choosing the worst possible boyfriends. When lowlife Jimmy viciously abuses Stella, Frances takes the law into her own hands, surprising herself and the reader. Hellenga tackles some big questions here, but not without humor. In a state of crisis, the protagonist suddenly begins hearing what she assumes is the voice of God, even though she doesn't really believe in him.