The Map of True Places Book

I did not read Brunonia Barry's novel "The Lace Reader," although being a librarian I was familiar with the book. It is on my to-read list. Since I was so aware of Barry's early work, I was thrilled to receive a copy of "The Map of True Places" through the First Reads giveaways.

Zee Finch is the main character. Her mother died when she was a child. After her mother's death,she spent her time spent stealing boats'a talent that earned her the nickname Trouble. As an adult, she is a respected psychotherapist and is engaged to one of Boston's most eligible bachelors. A seemingly perfect life!

The suicide of Zee's patient, Lilly Braedon throws Zee into emotional turmoil and Zee decides to pay a visit home to Salem. This visit becomes the beginning of an emotional journey for Zee. Her father, Finch, long ago diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, has been hiding how sick he really is. His longtime companion, Melville, has moved out, and it now falls to Zee to help her father through this difficult time. Their relationship, marked by half-truths and the untimely death of her mother, is strained and awkward. Zee begins to look at her life and relationships in new ways.

"The Map of True Places" is a good read about communication and dedication to having important relationships. It is also about holding onto that relationship above all else.