Friday 56 & #BookBeginnings: Pieta


In the cool of morning as sunlight lifted the gray from the walls of the house, I lay still and though quietly to myself, content.
- p. 1

When I read to them, or brush their hair, or pack their lunches, or tell them stories about all the things that weren't invented yet when I was at their age, I forget how I failed in most things, the grotesque voyeur in me is replaced by someone who is able to experience his own life in his own skin, and happiness is something attained and not just superimposed.
- p. 56


I was cleaning up the boxes and found this little gem of a book that I had read a few years ago. Read my review here.

Synopsis of Pieta by William Zink: Jim Priest's mother is dying. With his daughter beside him, he alternates caretaking duties with his sister. A year earlier his father died in a mysterious fashion—the head of the Virgin Mary from a lifelong sculpting project of The Pieta fell on top of him, killing him instantly. As days pass by, his mother falling in and out of coherency, the buried secrets of a bittersweet childhood re-emerge, forcing the four of them to accept, if not fully resolve, the limitations of their bonds. Pieta is a story about personal ambition, the anguish of unrequited affection, and the redemptive spirit of a young girl. In concise, elegant prose, William Zink examines the singular, yet universal, forces tugging at the hip of a family in the midst of its most epic chapter.

15 comments

  1. I remember reading this book and reviewing it. I really liked it. Got the book from Library Thing.

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    1. Yes, I did too, Tea! And you still remember it too ...

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  2. Wow...this sounds AMAZING. I love the cover.

    Beautiful prose as well.

    Going to check out your review.

    Have a wonderful weekend.

    Elizabeth
    Silver's Reviews
    My Book Beginnings

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  3. That beginning is sort of how I woke up this morning, just without the cool! I'm not quite sure I understand the F56, but the prose is beautiful! Thanks for sharing :) Hope you have a great weekend!
    My Friday post
    Juli @ Universe in Words

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    1. Hahaha, Juli. The 56 refers to his children - which really resonated with me. Time flies!

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  4. This sounds like a very thought provoking book. I haven't come across it before but I'll definitely have to look for it. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. It's an old book but not very well known, so I hope you get a chance to read it -- it's a worthwhile read.

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  5. I really like the opening. Interesting idea to have the father killed in that manner. I have to wonder about the significance!
    Here's the link to my Friday post: REMIX.

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    1. Yes, definitely an intriguing twist to it, Sandra. I don't want to spoil the read for you ;)

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  6. Sounds like an emotional and intense read, will have to check out your review :)

    My BB and 56 :)

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    1. Oh my goodness, when I reread my review, I felt it all over again ...

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  7. Sounds like a different story, one I think I would enjoy. I love how the author describes the past in your 56.

    Happy weekend!

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  8. I love the sound of this one :)

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    1. Find a copy! I was going to toss mine in the donation box but will hold off until I do a reread :)

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© guiltless readingMaira Gall