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Under the Mercy Trees

by Heather Newton
Harper: HarperCollins. Jan. 2011. c.352p. ISBN 9780062001344. pap. $13.99. F
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Martin Ownby is a debt-ridden, gay alcoholic writer living in Manhattan who has always avoided going home to Willoby County, NC. But when his older brother, Leon, disappears from the old homestead, Martin accepts a community college teaching job and steps back into the family fray. His sister, Ivy, is a diagnosed schizophrenic who sees and converses with family ghosts. Bertie, his sister-in-law, holds onto an old secret about Leon and tiptoes around the obvious clues that her youngest son, Bobby, may have done Leon harm. For Martin, there is much unfinished business to settle with Liza, his best friend in high school who has never really gotten over her unrequited love for him.
VERDICT Told from these four characters' points of view, this first novel builds nicely toward many revelations and resolutions. Newton is skilled at revealing a world of hurt, and fans of family dramas will appreciate it.
Reviewed by Keddy Ann Outlaw, formerly with Harris Cty. P.L., TX , Jan 01, 2011
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