Kate Maloy

"When Kate Maloy rediscovers her Quaker faith, she leaves behind a con fining urban life anbd goes in search of a simpler, more joyous existence. the journey takes her to Vermont, and a series of spiritual risks and revelations. Looking through changed eyes at her past -- at family anxieties, family disaffection, failed marriages, late motherhood, restless boredom, and, paradoxically, a talent for joy -- she learns that she has been guided by faith even when she though she had none. An extraordinary story of 'miracles found and fears allayed.' A Stone Bridge North is an eloquent testimony to seeking the sacred in all people."
~~back cover

This book is so incredible is so many ways. Her explanation and exploration of the Quaker faith are enticing, beckoning me to reconsider what I thought my spiritual path is. Her absolute emphasis on trust is intriguing, and at the same time frightening -- could I possibly become so proficient in letting go and letting God? Her new love practices "blessing and releasing" another compelling, terrifying concept: who would I be if I let go of my resentments?

I cannot recommend this book enough to anyone who wishes to explore their concepts, their persona, or their spirituality.… (plus d'informations)

I was disappointed in this book. I've been thinking about it for several days after finishing it, not sure how to describe my feelings. What I did like was the setting and the descriptions of rural Vermont. The author skillfully recreates the sights and seasons, the scents, sounds, and details of the landscape, the flora and fauna. Another plus was the author's ability to describe a long-time marriage and healthy relationship of a couple in their 70's/80's. But the book's focus on aging,death, and decay was depressing, and much of the plot's foreshadowing was unfulfilled.

One major irritation was the title. In the U.S. the slang for cuckoo is screwball, silly, wacky, crazy. I kept waiting for this to tie in with the plot. Only once in the middle of the novel, and again at the very end is there a reference to a cuckoo bird. I had to it look up after finishing the book and found out that a cuckoo bird lays her eggs in another bird's nest for the other bird to hatch. I think the concept was just too subtle and I surely wouldn't have used this reference in the title with such a weak connection. I wouldn't recommend this book unless it was the only unread book available to you while on an overseas flight.… (plus d'informations)