Cage of Stars

Jacquelyn Mitchard
Warner Books (2006)
ISBN 0446578754
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (5/06)

This intense drama is narrated by young Ronnie Swan. She recounts the personal battles of vengeance and forgiveness as she experienced them in the aftermath of the tragic murder of her younger sisters. Twelve year old Ronnie was baby sitting her sisters at the time of their tragic death.

A sensitive theme of a family’s religious faith, steeped in a mixture of tradition and theology carries the plot. Emotionally charged dialogue builds suspense as the family moves from conflict to resolution to another cycle of conflict. I felt bonded to Michard’s characters.

As the family finds it in their heart to forgive, they receive freedom from hatred and vengeance and are able to find healing, closure, and the strength to live normal lives after their personal heartbreak. Ronnie did was unable to forgive and plotted vengeance instead.

The author has an amazing gift for reaching into the emotions of the reader. I felt my heart wrenched often. Filled with empathy, I was drawn to this hurting family and to young Ronnie as she told their devastating story. I was especially touched as Ronnie related in detail how she carefully chooses the clothes for Ruthie and Becky’s burial. Her sentiments were so beautifully expressed. I agonized with the family throughout the ordeal of the viewing and the funeral.

As Mitchard described Ronnie’s first visit to the ocean in Cape Cod I could feel the sun burning the back of my neck. I heard the waves pounding against the rocks. I could almost see the sail boats in the distance. I felt the warmth of the sand and inhaled the distinctive smells of the seashore. With Ronnie I felt my heart beating to the rhythm of the waves.

I particularly enjoyed the broad scope of material Mitchard introduced into the story; from paramedics and mental illness, to Mormon theology and lifestyle. She used discussions from American literature, horses, and basketball as she unfolded her plot. The author displays an amazing insight into the daily life of practicing Mormons. Michard introduced some subtle humor as Ronnie expressed her disdain for the inconsistencies in the lives of her extended family and the hierarchy of the local ward of her church.

Personally I have been challenged to take a deeper look into the complex issue of a victim with a mental disorder such as Scott Early and the victims of his crime. I don’t think Scott Early was ever able to discard his load of guilt.

This is an excellent book for anyone who has ever been faced with reconciling justice and the trauma of the loss of loved ones.

From the first sentence of the prologue through to the surprising climax and the last sentence of the epilogue Jacquelyn Mitchard held me spell bound in this powerful story. Extraordinary writing!

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