The Appointed Hour

Susanne Davis

Average Rating 9/10 (1 Review)

In these luminous interconnected stories, Susanne Davis crafts characters whose roots run deep into the land. A woman experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder finds her voice in communion with other women. A Mayflower descendant wrestles with the legacy of a controversial monument that honours his ancestor. A tattoo artist fights for the passionate dream of his art. A couple confronts the foundation of their marriage when faced with a terminal diagnosis.

The Appointed Hour shines a compassionate light on a changing rural America, spanning generations and locations by exploring the emotions that accompany life's trials. The heart-wrenching challenges draw Davis's characters together in feelings of love, loss, hope, and community, united throughout history by the place they call home.

'These characters are distinctive and astonishing.'

Review by Paul Lappen (300419) Rating (9/10)

Review by Paul Lappen
Book Source: Not Known
Rating 9/10
This group of connected stories shines a spotlight on rural America.

A woman walks into a tattoo shop, wanting a large tattoo across her chest for a less-than-intelligent reason. The male tattoo artist reluctantly fulfils her wish. A few years later, when the artist has his own shop, the same woman wants another tattoo. This time he says no; the art outweighs the money.

A local handyman, who has acquired the nickname Useless John, goes to a woman's house to install a hardwood floor in her kitchen. She just happens to look exactly his wife who died several years previously. He was driving when there was a bad auto accident.

A descendant of the Mayflower attempts to deal with a monument to an ancestor. A woman with post-traumatic stress disorder finds a group of other women to help her regain her voice. There is a story about dealing with HIV. An actress in the 1950's who got to kiss Elvis Presley on screen decided, in later years, to become a nun. She is now known as Mother Agnes.

These stories take place in Connecticut, but they could take place anywhere.

Individually, these stories are excellent. Put them together, and this collection nears the level of Amazing. It is extremely highly recommended.
Paul Lappen (30th April 2019)