Growth through change
In the midst of what feels like a tragedy, it’s hard to see beyond the confusion of the here and now. When time has passed and the chaos calmed, explanations will often present themselves, sometimes revealing a needed push toward change.
Beth Dotson Brown’s novel, Rooted in Sunrise, finds Ava Winston reeling after a tornado levels her home. As if a failed marriage wasn’t enough of a whirlwind in Ava’s life, now she must decide whether to attempt to rebuild her home and her memories or to move forward and embrace the freedom the situation has granted her.
Ava’s only daughter, Juniper, now an independent and headstrong adult pursuing her own dreams, feels the loss of her childhood home deeply, and she pushes Ava to rebuild their home exactly as it was before. However, once past the shock of seeing her belongings scattered literally to the winds, Ava starts to enjoy the idea of the unencumbered life she might have if she chooses a different direction.
In the disaster’s aftermath, neighbors come together—some whose homes were untouched by the tornado but who are suffering through personal storms, some whose homes were also destroyed—and Ava finds new kinship that strengthens her for the decisions she must make. A suitcase found on Ava’s lawn is filled with vintage letters and plans, and also bonds the women together as they unpack the mysteries inside, along with its link to the present.
Brown hits head-on the complacency and comfort that come easily during the middle age years. Through Ava’s predicament, she gently nudges readers to step outside the routine and the mundane to actually enjoy the new phases of life that come.
She also tackles serious themes: the debilitation that a phobia can induce through Ava, whose world becomes so much larger when she overcomes her fear of flying to be able to visit family abroad; and domestic violence, a difficult issue that too often stays secretly tucked behind closed doors or hidden behind masks and makeup. Brown emphasizes the importance of community with the unlikely friendships formed and solutions presented when well-kept secrets come to light.
Brown says she was called to write at a young age, and was blessed to have parents who encouraged her interests. She writes this upbringing into Ava’s and Juniper’s relationship as well, providing an example to her readers of how beautiful that level of support can be. She encourages aspiring writers, saying, “…Answer the call to write. Writing is a gift in itself. Publication can happen. Persevere.”
Beth Dotson Brown has led an interesting life interacting with a broad range of people, from a king in Ghana to mothers in Guatemala. In addition to Rooted in Sunrise, (Koehlerbooks, $18.95, available at www.bookshop.org), she has authored short stories, essays and one-act plays. She lives in Lancaster, where, in addition to writing, she enjoys cooking from the garden. Connect with her at www.bethdotsonbrown.net.
