FLY HIGH WITH A NOVEL THAT SOARS
The Girl Who Fell From The Sky
by Heidi W. Durrow
Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill
February 2010
Fiction
Author Heidi W. Durrow provokes me to the point where time stands still and a new, intriguing world is discovered as this fresh voice in literature strikes a nerve.
Inspired by true events, “The Girl Who Fell From the Sky” parades colorful, memorable characters like Brick, Drew, Nella, Laronne, Roger, and a Grandma who can easily conjure up old childhood memories.
But no character is as unforgettable as the brave voice of the young narrator, Rachel, who is the offspring of a Danish mother and a black father. One day she has two parents and then … one day, one selfish act leaves her without them.
It’s the year 1980, and time for lovely, blue-eyed Rachel to confront her personal idea of beauty, while struggling with the false perception of others. Often ridiculed, she is rather bold for a young girl without parents. She has her own way of standing up for herself, including standing up to her Grandma whose love is unconditional and strong, even when Rachel’s childhood antics tick her off.
I know I’m not interesting to Grandma anymore — what with my new ways. My new ways are back talk. I call it explaining. My new ways are wearing my shirts too tight. I call it fashion. My new ways are paying too much attention to boys. I call it being lonely.
Rachel, only one of many narrators, bleeds life into a story that first appears as just another book about race. But surprisingly, it’s way more than a conversation about black and white. The substance of this debut novel also touches on the colors in between, the layers one cannot see — pain, abuse, fear, and bravery.
A lone survivor proves that beauty exists even in the midst of an unspeakable act as her plight challenges the kindness of strangers. And those closest to Rachel are desperate to see her through.
More entertaining than preachy, there are lessons to be learned, introductions to life that are color blind. Lesson 1: Love, self-acceptance, and tolerance, are universal. Lesson 2: Blood is not always thicker than water.
Will readers identify with Rachel? Her weak mother Nella? A strong African-American grandmother? The love of a doting aunt? An alcoholic father who chooses not to be around? A wayward boy who never gives up on a promise?
Many questions remain. But the most perplexing question of them all deserves an answer.
Is it fair to force a biracial child to choose sides? Durrow’s highly anticipated novel, “The Girl Who Fell From the Sky” answers this question.