Slicker
Lucy Jackson
St. Martin’s, Aug 3 2010, $24.99
ISBN: 9780312565008
Mollycoddled Manhattanite Desiree Christian-Cohen abruptly feels the asphalt jungle of Kansas where she expects to find a nicer lifestyle in Honey Creek. Her new revelation even enables her to forgive her father for his transgression of coming out of the closet. However, the amber wave proves nastier than the Big Apple in many ways as bigotry is an acceptable practice, especially towards the “half-Jew”. She does meet Bobby McVicar, but even he makes her feel even more like a fish out of water on the Great Plains.
Doubts build up as she misses her family and friends back home. Meanwhile in New York, her mom Nina, her ailing grandfather Marvin, and their caretaker forge a family together built on trust and acceptance.
The prime story line in Kansas is interesting as the city slicker struggles with adapting to life on the Plains. Stereotyping of the local residents as bigots detracts from the impact of Desiree’s efforts to belong. The supporting subplot in Manhattan (New York that is) is much deeper as the reader understands what disturbs Desiree’s family. Character driven, Slicker is a fascinating look at a person seeking a fresh start but uses her sweet tooth to select the locale.
Harriet Klausner
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