Well-written fiction

The Color of Water in July by Nora Carroll

Nora Carroll weaves a tale of Jess and her grandmother Mamie, which spans their lifetimes and their visits to the family cottage.  After Mamie’s death, Jess thinks that she is done with the cottage.  When she makes a trip back to Pine Lake at Wequetona Club, to get the cottage up for sale, she stumbles across letters that reveal pieces of the secrets of her family.  As she remembers her summers at the cottage, she realizes that she is disappointed with her life and wonders what would happen if things had been different.  The visit changes her in ways that she cannot imagine.

The author skillfully takes the readers between the events of Jess’ life and Mamie’s life.  She slowly reveals the secrets and allows the reader to understand both Jess and Mamie.  Carroll’s writing pulls the reader into the story and causes the reader to long for Jess to be able to find what she has lost.

I very much enjoyed this story and the author’s ability to forge a tale spanning 90 years.  She kept my attention by strategically revealing the family’s secrets.  The ending was satisfying, even though not entirely a surprise.  I highly recommend this book.