The Gin Closet

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ginclosetby Leslie Jamison

 

The Gin Closet by Leslie Jamison is a beautifully written and compelling
debut novel.  The story tells of 3 generations of women, starting with
Lucy, the aging grandmother who suddenly is needing care; Dora, her
busy, high powered daughter out in California, who does not have time to
care for her mother, and Stella, the grand daughter, who takes the train
up from NY to help her grandma as she is dying.  Lucy tells Stella that
she had another daughter, Tilly, who disappeared over 30 years ago;
Stella never knew she had an aunt.  After Lucy dies, Stella finds
Tilly,  leaving her job and NYC behind.  The two of them then settle in
San Fransisco, with Tilly's son she gave up to his father many years
before.  All 3 of them are lost souls;  together they make a family as
best they can.  Tilly has been drowning herself in gin for years, the
only place she feels comfortable;  Stella tries to understand and Abe,
the lonely son, is bewildered and clinging to any hope he can--no one
can save Tilly but herself.  This fascinating story reminded me of
Huneven's Blame.  "The language is smart and sensuous."  "It reads like
a detective novel written by a poet."  Both statements echo my sentiments.
The Gin Closet by Leslie Jamison is a beautifully written and compelling debut novel.  The story tells of 3 generations of women, starting with Lucy, the aging grandmother who suddenly is needing care; Dora, her busy, high-powered daughter out in California, who does not have time to care for her mother, and Stella, the granddaughter, who takes the train up from NY to help her grandma as she is dying.  Lucy tells Stella that she had another daughter, Tilly, who disappeared over 30 years ago;  Stella never knew she had an aunt.  After Lucy dies, Stella finds Tilly,  leaving her job and NYC behind.  The two of them then settle in San Fransisco, with Tilly's son, who she gave up to his father many years before.  All three of them are lost souls;  together they make a family as best they can.  Tilly has been drowning herself in gin for years, the only place she feels comfortable;  Stella tries to understand and Abe, the lonely son, is bewildered and clinging to any hope he can - no one can save Tilly but herself.  This fascinating story reminded me of Michelle Huneven's Blame.  "The language is smart and sensuous."  "It reads like a detective novel written by a poet."  Both statements echo my sentiments.