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The Secret Child
A timeless tale, written in a very lyrical style, The Secret Child appeals to a wide range of ages; one of those favorite books cherished by more than one generation. Set in 1855, the central character is a thirteen-year-old girl, Marika--an Irish Traveller--running between her thribli , or clan, in Boston and her arranged marriage with a gypsy leader named Jacko in the Midlands of South Carolina. Marika's five-year-old brother Danny is with her, but falls ill and dies on the journey. Cautiously, she allows herself to form relationships with a free black man, Joseph, and a Quaker woman, Maggie. The book interweaves highly unexpected subjects and issues, such as slavery, human rights, and other harsh realities of 19th century South Carolina, along with a mystical, light-and-shadows world of ''Fairies'' who inhabit a nearby heavily forested Carolina Bay. The Fairies of the Carolina Bay have an ancient Celtic history; no tiny wings and fairy dust, these are true spirits of the woods. The Fairies accept Marika to live among them until she can determine what she wants for her future. She is pursued relentlessly and cruelly by the gypsy Jacko, befriended with great loyalty by Joseph and Maggie, and protected unwaveringly by the spirits of the forest. But, in the end, it is up to her to decide between her realities.
196 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2010
About the author
Marti Healy
13 books4 followersMarti Healy is the author of three novels, two collections of animal-oriented and faith-based short stories, three collections of essays relative to the joys of life in a small southern town, and one children's book.
Her novels include:
"The Secret Child" - Woven within the harsh realities of pre-Civil War South Carolina is an unexpected, mystical tale of gypsies and fairies. These seemingly disparate environments are deftly blended with a strong rhythm and lyrical style that keep the reader flowing emotionally and seamlessly from one reality to the next and back. A young girl, Marka, is the Irish Traveller that carries us through the story. But his is not a nursery book. No fairy dust and tiny wings. And yet it is infused with magic and beauty - while effortlessly layered with the complexities of freedom, human rights, justice, and life decisions. A warm and welcoming story of innocence and truth and the power of our beliefs and love for one another.
"The Rhythm of Selby" - a gently mysterious novel of the South, set in the fictitious town of Selby, South Carolina. This is a very lyrically written work, with a strong sense of place created through vivid descriptions and memorable incidents and characters.
"Blinding the Moon" - is set in the 1970s, and follows the struggles of a young folks singer trying to come to terms with his childhood as well as his manhood. Through a series of flashbacks and mad running, running drugs and riding the rails, finding peace in the Southwest, and putting his mother to rest, the book threads together real life experiences of two of the authors good friends: singer Chad Mitchell and photographer Dale Wickum - all knit together into a strongly lyrical literary fiction, all under the allegorical gaze of the moon.
Her collections of animal/faith-based short stories and essays include:
"The God-Dog Connection" is subtitled: Things Ive learned about God and faith through the dogs and cats in my life. It is a collection of 25 essays that each captures a small vignette of animal behavior, and then the faith lesson that can be drawn from it. Now in its second printing, this delightful, gentle and warm work has been enthusiastically embraced by Christian and mainstream readers alike.
"Walking with Dogs: A Spiritual Journey" - is often used as a book of meditations. It includes 23 essays inspired by the author's walks with her dogs through a small southern town, and old-growth forest, the town's renowned horse district, and many parks and gardens. Beautifully illustrated with original drawings by local artist, Mimi Inman.
Her collection of short essays celebrating the joys of life, especially in a small town, include:
"Breathings - Tiny Stories for the Thin Places of Your Heart" - a collection of more than 60 of the author's best loved writings never before published in book form. It is lyrical and uplifting and beautifully illustrated and bound.
"Yes, Barbara, There Is An Aiken." - Vol. 1 - a gathering of fifty of her favorite columns from her vast number written as a contributing columnist to The Aiken Standard and Bella Magazine (and others). It is a delightful insight into the daily life of a small southern town.
"Falling in Love with Aiken, Again" - Vol. 2 - a collection of another fifty of her columns featuring the joys of small town living in the south, specifically in Aiken, SC.
Her children's book:
"The Childornot Tales" is written for the child in all of us. Whether you are a child or not, you can enjoy these fun, lyrical, rhyming stories that feature steampunk style visuals throughout.
Marti was a copywriter for more than three decades, the majority of that career spent with a communications firm in Indianapolis, Indiana, where she was senior writer and Vice President. She became a freelance newspaper columnist in 2004. and, beginning in 2008, she has devoted her time almost exclusively to various personal writing project
Her novels include:
"The Secret Child" - Woven within the harsh realities of pre-Civil War South Carolina is an unexpected, mystical tale of gypsies and fairies. These seemingly disparate environments are deftly blended with a strong rhythm and lyrical style that keep the reader flowing emotionally and seamlessly from one reality to the next and back. A young girl, Marka, is the Irish Traveller that carries us through the story. But his is not a nursery book. No fairy dust and tiny wings. And yet it is infused with magic and beauty - while effortlessly layered with the complexities of freedom, human rights, justice, and life decisions. A warm and welcoming story of innocence and truth and the power of our beliefs and love for one another.
"The Rhythm of Selby" - a gently mysterious novel of the South, set in the fictitious town of Selby, South Carolina. This is a very lyrically written work, with a strong sense of place created through vivid descriptions and memorable incidents and characters.
"Blinding the Moon" - is set in the 1970s, and follows the struggles of a young folks singer trying to come to terms with his childhood as well as his manhood. Through a series of flashbacks and mad running, running drugs and riding the rails, finding peace in the Southwest, and putting his mother to rest, the book threads together real life experiences of two of the authors good friends: singer Chad Mitchell and photographer Dale Wickum - all knit together into a strongly lyrical literary fiction, all under the allegorical gaze of the moon.
Her collections of animal/faith-based short stories and essays include:
"The God-Dog Connection" is subtitled: Things Ive learned about God and faith through the dogs and cats in my life. It is a collection of 25 essays that each captures a small vignette of animal behavior, and then the faith lesson that can be drawn from it. Now in its second printing, this delightful, gentle and warm work has been enthusiastically embraced by Christian and mainstream readers alike.
"Walking with Dogs: A Spiritual Journey" - is often used as a book of meditations. It includes 23 essays inspired by the author's walks with her dogs through a small southern town, and old-growth forest, the town's renowned horse district, and many parks and gardens. Beautifully illustrated with original drawings by local artist, Mimi Inman.
Her collection of short essays celebrating the joys of life, especially in a small town, include:
"Breathings - Tiny Stories for the Thin Places of Your Heart" - a collection of more than 60 of the author's best loved writings never before published in book form. It is lyrical and uplifting and beautifully illustrated and bound.
"Yes, Barbara, There Is An Aiken." - Vol. 1 - a gathering of fifty of her favorite columns from her vast number written as a contributing columnist to The Aiken Standard and Bella Magazine (and others). It is a delightful insight into the daily life of a small southern town.
"Falling in Love with Aiken, Again" - Vol. 2 - a collection of another fifty of her columns featuring the joys of small town living in the south, specifically in Aiken, SC.
Her children's book:
"The Childornot Tales" is written for the child in all of us. Whether you are a child or not, you can enjoy these fun, lyrical, rhyming stories that feature steampunk style visuals throughout.
Marti was a copywriter for more than three decades, the majority of that career spent with a communications firm in Indianapolis, Indiana, where she was senior writer and Vice President. She became a freelance newspaper columnist in 2004. and, beginning in 2008, she has devoted her time almost exclusively to various personal writing project
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 6, 2022
What if? That's what Marti Healy said when she was telling the story of writing this book. I had the pleasure of being part of a zoom bookclub event called a “Literal Blast” for the Aiken Center for the Arts where Marti talked about her book. It's based on a real boy who died and is buried there but the rest of the story comes from Marti asking herself "What if...?" and that's where she took the story and her imagination and created this beautiful book. It was an emotional and mystical journey and I loved it. Now I'm reading all of Marti's books. Her poetic and lyrical writing style is always in her work but she also surprises you with the different genres and subjects she tackles. I loved this book.
July 15, 2024
I loved this book! Fairy tales that take place in South Carolina will always be something I enjoy. I especially enjoyed Healy’s book because of the clips of Irish/Gaelic with translations that are used throughout the book. My favorite part was seeing the Lord’s Prayer being used in an another language on p 17 (although I’m sure I’ve pronounced it entirely wrong) 😄 This was a well written story that I’d definitely read again
July 13, 2019
Totally enchanting read! Not without moments of sadness and longing, this beautifully written story is also full of moments of sheer delight. Must say, I wish I could arrange at least a brief visit with the Fairies in the forest.
April 26, 2022
Marti’s writing takes you in the story. This is a great read.
May 23, 2013
Marika is a young girl travelling in the company of her brother to meet her future husband, as has been arranged by her father. However, along the way her brother succumbs to a fever and he departs this world in the compassionate hands of strangers while Marika watches guilt-stricken and grieving from the shadows. After his passing, Marika realizes she has a decision before her – continue on her initial journey towards a man she was promised to wed, or begin a new path, her own path. Magdalena and Joseph, two kind strangers, befriend Marika and join her on her path for awhile. But when the trust Marika placed in Magdalena is betrayed, she flees. Joseph finds her crying near her brother’s grave. He notices something in Marika that no one else had, and he leads her to the magical woods – a place he believes she may belong. It is in this place that Marika is able to finally choose the path she will follow.
The Secret Child hooked me within the first couple of pages. I was amazed at how quickly the author made me care so deeply about the characters. I especially liked Marika’s time in the forest with Cian, Wee Ann, Thackeray, Nan and Bob, and all the other fairies. Healy’s writing made it easy to envision the feasts, the skits, the geese races, the magic of the fairies and other fantastical happenings. And, being the dog lover I am, I truly enjoyed meeting Conrí, the wild pup she rescues from a thorny bush. While this story included hope, innocence and spiritual aspects, it was not without sadness, betrayal and evil such as the death of Danny, slavery, female oppression, and more.
Healy’s talent lies not only in the story, but in the actual storytelling. Simply stated, the words flowed and made The Secret Child enjoyable and interesting to read.
Overall rating: 3.5 out of 5
Appropriate for ages 14 & up.
The Secret Child hooked me within the first couple of pages. I was amazed at how quickly the author made me care so deeply about the characters. I especially liked Marika’s time in the forest with Cian, Wee Ann, Thackeray, Nan and Bob, and all the other fairies. Healy’s writing made it easy to envision the feasts, the skits, the geese races, the magic of the fairies and other fantastical happenings. And, being the dog lover I am, I truly enjoyed meeting Conrí, the wild pup she rescues from a thorny bush. While this story included hope, innocence and spiritual aspects, it was not without sadness, betrayal and evil such as the death of Danny, slavery, female oppression, and more.
Healy’s talent lies not only in the story, but in the actual storytelling. Simply stated, the words flowed and made The Secret Child enjoyable and interesting to read.
Overall rating: 3.5 out of 5
Appropriate for ages 14 & up.
March 15, 2013
Healy has an artistic, lyrical writing style that rivals poetry. A unique story rich with history, this is a must read!
July 12, 2012
Award winner at SIBA 10 and one of my book cover pendant customers.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews