March 15, 2013
In the midst of the Irish famine, young mother Ginny Doyle is struggling to feed her children. Her husband, Raymond, has left for America, looking to find work. In desperation, Ginny takes a job as a chambermaid at the local manor, leaving her 11-year-old daughter in charge. Ginny hopes the money she earns as well as the food she steals from the house larder will help keep her family alive. In present-day New York, Majella and Leo have just become first-time parents. The usually tough Majella finds herself isolated, exhausted, and unsure of her ability to be a good parent. When she discovers her ancestor Ginny's diary in the attic, Majella becomes engrossed in the story of Ginny's life and shocked to discover a murder in her family history. The Crooked Branch is the story of two mothers, worlds and generations apart, and their struggles to parent in difficult times. Wonderfully written, with strong, compelling characters, it is a deeply satisfying combination of sweeping historical saga and modern family drama, a gentle reminder of the ever-reaching influence of family, both near and far.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)