When Charlotte Comes Home

by Maureen Millea Smith

Unspoken and unrequited love, loss of life and loss of innocence, facing change and changing times are the elements of this subtle and beautifully written novel of regret and redemption. Maureen Millea Smith is a native of Omaha, NE where this novel is set. A graduate of the University of Wyoming in Laramie, she received her MA in Library Science from the University of Iowa. This novel began as her thesis project for her MFA which she received from Hamline University in 2000. She currently lives near Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Genres: Book Club, Fiction

247 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2006

Reviews

[Ann]

Fred Holly and his sister Sarah become intimately involved with their new neighbor, James Day, in 1960s and 70s Omaha, Nebraska. Both boys are gay, but come on, when they discover this about each other, not to mention that one carries a torch for the other, the plot just continues on its merry way, with no exploration of how radical this must have been for the time. Meanwhile, Charlotte of the title, is dreadfully sick and eventually "comes home." Her character seems much more realistic, and is shown with all her faults.

[Martha]

I'm really enjoying this book. I grew up in the 60's-70's and so much of life's lessons that take place in this book bring me back to my youth.I think this book would be an excellent book to read and discuss in a book club. A friend of mine recommended the book and the author attended her book club discussion. I'm looking forward to hearing how her group discussed the book.

[KJS]

Great characters and a great setting (Omaha, Nebraska).
Author does a great job of telling the story and sharing her hometown with the reader.

[Cammy]

A touching book by a MN author about a family and a loss. Great but sad story.

[tina]

interesting because the author writes an omaha neighborhood from the 50s and 60s where my brother currently lives

[Dulcey Heller]

Dec 07

[Julie]

I loved this book. The characters, esp. the actuaries, the setting, the turmoil, Charlotte.

[Cecilia]

Excellent book by former librarian at PLCH. Highly recommended.