Harmony is that rare novel that hits my trifecta of an amazing read: compelling family drama, dark humor and heart pounding suspense.
Harmony
Written with storytelling skill and compassion by Carolyn Parkhurst, whose The Dogs of Babel was a huge favorite of mine, Harmony is about modern day parenting and the lengths we will go to in order to do right by our children.
It is about the pressure we put on ourselves as parents, the struggle to succeed at parenting and the scrutiny from society, the disapproval, that makes us doubt ourselves.
Alexandra and Josh Hammond, a middle-class couple living in Washington, DC, have two daughters. Tilly, age 12, is a precocious, creative child who happens to be on the autism spectrum. Iris, age 10, is the “normal” one.
The parents agonize over Tilly’s special needs. Her behavioral issues get her kicked out of every school. People stare at her. Children point fingers. Desperate to find the right school, the right therapy, Alexandra doggedly pursues every option, only to come up short. As Tilly’s extreme behavior dominates their lives, Alexandra despairs that Tilly’s issues will only get worse and it will be her fault, her failing as a parent.
My heart sank for this couple. I felt their frustration, their searing anger when other “normal” children made fun of their daughter. Wouldn’t I search everywhere for help as they did?
And if I were at the end of my rope with no stone left unturned, would I also surrender myself to an alternative therapy endorsed by a self-proclaimed parenting expert named Scott Bean whom I am convinced understands my child like no one else? Would I also persuade my husband to sell our house and possessions to follow this cult-like messiah into the wilderness, to a place called Camp Harmony, with just us, our children and a carload of belongings?
Recounted alternately by Alexandra and Iris, the plot thickens as the Hammonds become one of three families, each having a special needs child, to inhabit this experimental society in a rustic setting where communication to the outside world is cut off.
Will Scott Bean’s parenting theories put into action make a difference in the lives of these children? Will the parents of these children finally get the answers they have searched for, the answers that will lead to their children’s happiness and growth?
As the experiment slowly takes on a sinister shadowing, the tension builds and … well, I’m not going to tell you any more. Let’s just say it elicited more than one OMG from me.
I don’t have a child on the spectrum. But after reading Harmony, I am more enlightened about what it means to live with a child who relates to the world differently but is no less of a person, whose potential can be discovered with love and patience, whose families deserve our respect and support.
Harmony captivated me from page one. I loved it.
One of my lucky readers will receive a copy of Harmony. Please leave a comment and a winner will be randomly selected. USA addresses only, please.
I received a copy of Harmony from Viking for an honest review,
which is the only kind of review I write.
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2016 Helene Cohen Bludman
I’m sure this book will do very well because parents and loved ones of children on the autism spectrum, and with the conversation about autism finally being discussed mainstream, many readers will want to read this story. It sounds completely compelling and a fascinating read.
Cathy Chester recently posted…Change Is Never Easy. Neither Is Saying Goodbye
So very true, Cathy.
What a fascinating premise to this book. Since I’m not a parent I don’t usually go for books with parenting themes but this one is something I’d definitely want to read.
Carol Cassara recently posted…Let’s get to work
I think all readers will like this book, Carol.
I always love your reviews Helene. Sounds like I need to add this one to my list.
Thank you!
Thank you so much, Nancy. 🙂
I love reading your reviews; thanks for another great one, Helene!
You hooked me! As a pediatric occupational therapist and writer, I dream of writing books that will help families who have children with special needs. This one sounds quite compelling and different. Sounds like a must-read! Is it believable?
It is, Joan! I hope you read the book and let me know if you think so too.
So many parents will relate to this book I’m sure. Thanks for letting us know about it.
Rebecca Forstadt Olkowski recently posted…Dead Sea Skin Care â AHAVA Osmoter⢠and Beauty Before Age Review
Thanks Rebecca!
As the parent of a child on the autism spectrum, I really look forward to reading this book. Reading is one of the pleasures that have propelled me through the challenges of parenting him into young adulthood.
Would love to know what you think about it, Kim.
Ooh, I really want to read this. I loved The Dogs of Babel.
Lois Alter Mark recently posted…2017 hyundai elantra limited
You will love this one too, Lois!
This almost sounds like a non fiction.
Judy Freedman recently posted…Why I’m Voting For Replens™ in the 2016 Election
It does, Judy, you’re right.
This does sound good. I’ll have to take a look. Thanks.
Thank you!
This sounds really great. I have a good friend who’s oldest is on the spectrum so I am familiar with parental hardship and optimism they go through to make their child as self functioning adult as possible.
Haralee recently posted…Landing My Olympic Dismount while Wearing Glitter
I think parents with a special needs child will find this story similar to their experience.
This a great review! My brother adopted foster children with both autism and ADD, both girls had serious challenges. I admire parents who can make a critical difference in a child’s life.
So do I, Terri. Thank you!
This looks like a fabulous read. I love suspense.