Disclosures: Thanks to Lisa at TLC Book Tours and the author for providing me with a signed copy of this book for review. *The purchasing link at the end of this review goes through my Amazon Associates account.
When She Flew
Jennie Shortridge
NAL Trade (2009), Paperback (ISBN 0451227980 / 9780451227980)
Fiction, 352 pages
But then Jess discovers an Iraq vet and his young daughter living off the radar in the Oregon woods, avoiding the comforts—and curses—of modern life. Her colleagues on the force are determined to uproot and separate Lindy and her father, but Jess knows the damage of losing those you love, and believes the pair is safer and happier together.
Jess recognizes her chance to make a difference by doing something she’s never dared. Because even though she’s used to playing by the rules, there are times when they need to be broken…
Police officer Jess Villareal’s dedication to her job is one of the factors in her strained relationship with her daughter Nina, and her relationship issues sometimes influence how she does her job. When her department forms a team to look for a young girl spotted in the woods – possibly a runaway, possibly kidnapped – Jess’ maternal instincts drive her to ask for the assignment. They do find the girl, Lindy, along with her father, Ray; they’ve been living on their own in the woods for months, ever since Ray returned from military service in Iraq and took Lindy away from her meth-addicted mother, leaving Colorado for a promised job in Oregon. The job falls through due to Ray’s physical and psychological injuries, leaving him and his daughter homeless and getting by on $400 per month from the VA.
Although Lindy seems to be well-cared-for, considering the circumstances, the police team has to consider their social and legal obligation, which requires getting the social-services system involved. Jess doesn’t agree that separating father and daughter is the right thing to do, and while she states her agreement with the team decision, she feels compelled to act differently. She’s well aware that following that compulsion could jeopardize her career, but doesn’t have a sense of how it might affect the rest of her life as well.
The characters and circumstances of Lindy and Ray were inspired by a Vietnam vet and his young daughter found living in a forest park near Portland in 2004. Jennie Shortridge explores what their lives might have been like through chapters in Lindy’s own first-person perspective, which alternate with third-person narration centered on Jess. I thought that the presentation of a complex situation from the two viewpoints was particularly effective, and the anxiety that situation provoked kept me eagerly reading, but it was the characters themselves that really made it work for me. I felt for Lindy – a strangely sheltered child in some ways, mature well beyond her years in others – but I really cared about Jess. She’s a self-doubting, hard-working single parent who takes a lot to heart, and while I may have questioned her choices, I really wanted things to work out for her.
When She Flew was a fast read, but not a particularly light one; by way of its compelling characters, it touches on some important questions.
Buy When She Flew at Amazon.com
This review kicks off the TLC Book Tour for When She Flew. Other stops:
Hey Florinda! Wow this sounds really powerful. Imagine trying to get by on $400 a month, in the woods, with a daughter. Hard to believe it's based on a true story. I love Jennie Shortridge so I think this is one I'm going to really enjoy.
Thanks so much for the time you put into reading/reviewing the book. It is much appreciated!
Lisa – Thanks for the chance to be on the tour! The novel wasn't entirely what I expected – it was more, and that's always nice to discover. I haven't read any of Jennie Shortridge's other novels, but I'm sure I will!
This book sounds good to me. I'm particularly fascinated by the fact that it was inspired by real events.
Kathy (Bermudaonion) – I don't know if the police/social services involvement happened, but the homeless father and daughter were definitely real.
I'm really looking forward to this one. Shortridge really writes books that make you think.
Lisa – I haven't read any of her other novels, but I do plan to correct that :-).
I lagged and missed this tour. *pout* I'm definitely looking forward to reading this one!
Jill (Softdrink) – Lucky for you I had an extra copy (via LibraryThing); now you'll be able to read it sooner :-D.
I'm just over half way and I'm really enjoying this book. It's interesting to think about what constitutes neglect. Great review, Florinda! I'm so glad to be on this tour with you!
Jennifer at The Literate Housewife Review
Jennifer – I'll be looking forward to your review! You make a good point about the neglect issue – there's a good bit of food for thought in this novel.
It's quite a coincidence that we both were scheduled to post our reviews on the same day. 🙂
You've written such a thorough and insightful review, Florinda. I really wanted everything to turn out well for Jess too. For all of them really.
Wendy (Literary Feline) – I was impressed with your review; as usual, you hit on some points I wish I'd thought of! And it was funny to see them both go up the same day – and really, it was NOT one of those blog-blast book-tour deals :-D!