The World Undone

by Mary Driver-Thiel

THREE WOMEN, ONE SECRET, AND THE POWER OF FAMILY TIES Sylvia has grown up a lonely only child in a world of privilege, but she discovers a deep secret: her socially prominent mother once had another child who was given up for adoption years before Sylvia was born. Callie has worked hard and learned to stand on her own two feet, rarely allowing herself to think about the "what-ifs" and "whys" of being given away at birth. Anne, their mother, has closed the door on her past and on her feelings, certain no one will ever know her secret. When Sylvia decides to go in search of Callie, the dramatic and unexpected consequences change the lives of all three women forever.

242 pages, Paperback

First published December 20, 2012

About the author

Mary Driver-Thiel holds a B.A. in Fine Art and a Master of Arts in Teaching. Her work has been published in various literary magazines. She lives in the Chicago area with her husband, Jerry, and Woki, the Wonder Dog. Her work time is divided between writing and private tutoring. The World Undone is her first novel; she is currently working on the sequel.

Reviews

[Len Joy]

This is a well-constructed story, with believable, flawed characters.

There are some wonderful contrasting scenes in this novel. We get to dine at “The Club” with privileged Sylvia and her wealthy family and wait tables at Callie’s tavern on a busy Friday night.

This is a story of three women confronting life’s challenges. This would be an easy story to paint with stereotypes – rich bitch mother, dilettante trust fund Sylvia, hardworking blue collar Callie.

But the author is fair to all the characters. And by doing so she is much more effective at portraying the true desperation for a family without a safety net.

[Mary Helgren]

I could not put it down. Would be a great beach read.

[Helen Gallagher]

A well-composed story with every scene and character beautifully crafted. The author's sense of timing will keep you, like me, staying up late at night, waiting to see what happens next. With compassion, tension, and a reality-based plot, I am hoping for a sequel to learn more about the three main characters, related but not close, and what may happen next.

[Florence Osmund]

Hard to believe this is the author’s debut novel. I found the book well written, the storyline interesting and believable, the pace on target, and the characters deftly painted. I love stories about knotty family dynamics, and this one did not disappoint. I look forward to reading more of this author’s books.

[Brenda]

This book is a good initial attempt, but I wonder if the author has personal experience with adoption. I appreciated the attempt at character development but some plot points were predictable. I will read the sequel and it is fun to read an author with whom I have an indirect connection.

[Akilesh Sridharan]

The story of three women - mother, daughter, stepsister - was well interwoven with flawless writing. The narrative was free-flowing and character-driven and absorbing with good subplots. Waiting for its sequel. Good work by the first time author.

[Jo]

A woman has two daughters and gives up one of adoption and keeps the other. In The World Undone the daughter she keeps finds her sister and this changes all three of their lives. It was a great book full of heart felt emotions.

[Peggy House]

Met the author at a writers' conference and was hooked by the first couple lines. This is not an easy subject to write about, but the author does not back away from the ugly side of life.

[gj indieBRAG]

We are proud to announce that THE WORLD UNDONE by Mary Driver-Theil is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!

[Merry Farmer]

What a delightful story of three women and the ties that bind them together...and pull them apart. It was a delight to read.