"It is not always wise to assume that just because the surface of the world appears undisturbed, life is where you left it."
So begins Jan Ellison's first novel, A Small Indiscretion. I devoured this novel, because of both the beauty of its writing and the strength of its story. Ladies, have you ever been driving in your car or waiting in the school pick-up line and thought back to the days when you were free to make completely stupid decisions? When you felt like you could play around with life and love and just see what happens? Have you ever thought about how all that changes once you have children? How that kind of bravado about life disappears once you become tethered to people you love more than you could ever imagine possible? If you answered yes, then this is the book for you.
Alternating between 1989 London and 2012 San Francisco, A Small Indiscretion is written as a letter from a grieving mother to an injured son as the mother attempts to explain her past, a past that she never expected would radically alter her future. But - no big spoiler alert here - the past comes back to rear its ugly head big time. I absolutely loved the way Ellison highlights how women can appear to be "ordinary" mothers and housewives on the outside, but so deeply complex on the inside. And I absolutely loved the writing. I loved the way Ellison expertly weaves settings and situations into the personalities of her characters. She strikes me as the kind of writer that treats each sentence with care, but never takes her eye off the plot. The result is a book that is both beautiful and exciting. Plus, there's an excellent twist at the end, my friends. I promise you will not be disappointed. Click here to purchase and spread the word about this wonderful read.
Now, the novel's main character owns a lighting store and custom designs unique light fixtures. (See what I mean about Ellison weaving situations into her characters lives - the woman literally works to bring things into the light even as she struggles with the darkness of her own past. Brilliant!). As I was reading the passages about her lighting designs, I kept picturing the work of Lindsey Adelman. I would love one of her fixtures in my dining room. I just think they're so modern, yet warm. And so freaking cool. Wanna see? All images via Pinterest and Lindsey Adelman's website.
