Jane Cooper Chambers takes her readers on a trip back in time with this story of life growing up in the 50's and 60's. A fascinating retrospect of a gentler time, Chambers captures the era with grace and dignity. A fine first novel.

This first novel by Jane Cooper Chambers is a story about two sisters who grew up in the 1950s and 1960s of North Carolina. Iris tells the story, but it is really her sister, Helen's tale. The childlike opening reminds one of Joyce's Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. Daddy and Mama Gia Ashley loom large and strong in the lives of the young girls, but sadly tragedy interferes. The house, Ashley Hill, is both a nurturing and a formidable influence. All the happy, and the unfolding tragic events, take place at the big house. I read this book in one sitting. Great!

I loved this play, I could relate to each character as if they had been friends throughout my life. It has wonderful clarity and so easily read. The author blind sided me though because it ended far too early. I wish it had a few 100 more pages!