In the pitch we received from Harper Books, The Fates Will Find Their Way by Hannah Pittard was described as “an eerily evocative and masterfully crafted literary debut.” I couldn’t agree more. 16-year-old Nora Lindell has gone missing and the neighborhood boys who are left behind are affected in ways that last for years. Told in the first person plural, the boys imagine all of the things that might have happened to her. The real story never surfaces and it’s up to the reader to decide what to believe.
Woven into the Nora’s possible fates are memories of youth gone by, along with the manner in which the lives of the boys as husbands and fathers are irrefutably defined by her disappearance. Their lives are far from perfect, but can’t that be said about most people, especially a group of boys who grow up to marry their neighbors and live on the same streets they grew up on? Pittard does a great job of getting into the minds of teenage boys and the use of the “we” narrative device gives the story a unique feel.
The prose is haunting and beautiful, and I loved this passage from the final chapter:
At the end of the day, we find ourselves somewhat unprepared, standing for a final moment at our bedroom windows, for the obvious realization that this –this, all around us-is our life.
I loved The Fates Will Find Their Way and will be surprised if it doesn’t show up on many “Best of 2011” lists. For that reason I am bestowing upon it my first ever entry in the list of 5 Star Reads.
HarperCollins is providing 1 winner (US only) with a copy of The Fates Will Find Their Way. Leave a comment below, the winner will be selected on Feb. 2.
Nancy often has moments of realizing her life is pretty darn good. She writes about her 2 boys and life in Colorado at Life With My Boys.
Brianna Beers says
Sounds like a good read!
Sandra Stiles says
This sounds very good. Please enter me.
Ruthie B says
Your review makes this sound very interesting…count me in. Thanks!
debi jackson says
I’d love to read this
Sharon says
Would love to read this!
Jessica T says
I love new books!
debbie says
I would like to read this, it sounds really good.
[email protected]
Karen says
Sounds like a great read, thanks!
Rita says
Sounds like it deals with issues of real life. Count me in.
Grammy says
I got a Kindle for Christmas and have read 6 books since then. I’d love to add this one to my list, even though it will be a ‘physical’ book instead of digital.
Linda Kish says
Sounds very interesting.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
clay says
Consider thi my entry! This book sounds very intriguing.
Kate {The Parchment Girl} says
This sounds like an excellent book. I would love to win a copy!
Stephanie says
Sounds like a great book! Thanks for the giveaway!
Some Lucky Dog says
Thanks for the chance to win and read this!
someluckydog at gmail dot com
Beth C says
I’d love to read this. Thanks!
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
Jen B. says
Your first entry to the 5 star reads! I am devouring all the 5 star reads from everyone, I’d love to read this one! So far, I have not been disappointed!
Katy says
I am utterly intrigued. Please throw my name in the hat!
Natalia says
Please enter me to win.
John says
Thanks for the chance to win this book.
nomadreader (Carrie) says
Your first five star ever, Nancy? Wow! I’m really looking forward to reading this one, and I’d love to win a copy!
Katie Schroeder says
sounds great!
edj says
Sounds good! 🙂
Shari says
The cover alone intrigues me!
Kris T. says
By your review, it sounds like a great read. Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
Staci A says
This sounds like a really interesting book! I would love to read it!
Megan says
I’m very interested in reading this book! I’d love to win!
mearley1979 at gmail dot com
John says
Sounds interesting!
Natalia says
I would like to win this book.
Tracy Robertson says
I just read a blurb about this very book the other day and I wrote it on the list of books that I want to read – so I was so surprised to actually see that you are giving one away. I would love to win!
Nancy says
Well it can now move to the top of your list, you won! Congratulations! Please reply to this email with your name and mailing address.
Tracy Robertson says
Yay, thank you!!
Posting this, then will post my address.
Tracy Robertson says
I emailed you my address. I can’t wait to read this book – thanks again!
Tonya says
This sounds really interesting!
katklaw777 says
Blizzard 2011 is going strong here…I’d like to curl up with a good book, thanks.