The Book Of Polly by Kathy Hepinstall

 

Willow Havens has one job in her ten year old life.  She has to protect her mother, Polly.   Polly, who fights with all the neighbors.  Polly who had Willow in her early fifties right after her father died.  Polly who loves to garden and hates the squirrels with a passion.  Somehow, Willow has to keep her alive.

Sure, Polly is embarrassing when she comes to school and tells the teachers what to do in no uncertain terms.  Willow has two older siblings but they are grown and gone so everything is up to Willow.  That job is harder because Polly won't talk about herself ever.  She won't talk about where she came from, who she knew there or why she left never to return.  

The job becomes overwhelming when Polly gets cancer or as she and Willow refer to it, the Bear.  Polly fights the Bear but chemo and surgery don't seem to be getting the job done.  So Willow reaches back into Polly's secret background and tries to get her a miracle cure.  The only catch is that Polly will have to go back home where she doesn't want to be and see a faith healer in whom she has no faith.

Kathy Hepinstall has written an engaging novel that explores the responsibilities an only child feels to keep their parents safe.  Although Willow isn't an only child, that is her experience as her siblings have gone on to adult lives leaving Willow alone with Polly.  Polly is a unique character but then again so is Willow.  This is a charming novel that will leave the reader laughing, crying and hoping for a miracle.  This book is recommended for readers of women's and literary fiction.