The Handless Maiden Author:Loranne Brown Peopled with extradordinary characters and propelled by a startling series of events, The Handless Maiden is an unforgettable novel of rare emotional power. — Sexually abused by her grandfather since she was eight years old, Mariah tells no one. As a teenager she shows great potential to become a concert pianist, but she is haunted by the dark se... more »cret in her family. One afternoon she threatens her abusive grandfather with a gun. A struggle ensues and she shoots herself in the hand.
Robbed of her career as a pianist, Mariah eventually finds other ways for her musical talents to flourish. Meanwhile, her life turns on a series of complex relationships with others who have suffered damage in their lives--particularly Doug and Sully, challengers for her girlhood affections, one of whom becomes her husband. These vividly realized characters, like Mariah, learn to make opportunity out of accident and ultimately find dignity in compassion.
Raw, often heart-wrenching, but also an exhilarating read, The Handless Maidenis an audacious and triumphant debut.« less