Honeysuckle Drift

Set in the socially stratified world of Mobile, Al. in the 1960's, Honeysuckle Drift tells the compelling story of a prominent family's unraveling. Robert Townsend, a brilliant attorney who wants to support his family in luxury, has begun to take drugs for the stamina needed to work late into the night. His hot-tempered wife, Elizabeth, suspects that his late nights are not always "work." Robert's breezy confidence so blinds him to his addiction that he doesn't realize that a stunt he pulls in court will land him in hot water with the judge. Nor does it occur to Elizabeth, who pleads with the judge's wife behind Robert's back for leniency that Robert will be so infuriated with her that he will come home blind drunk, pack a bag, and storm out. His departure confirms Elizabeth's suspicions, her temper overwhelms her and her actions--together with their teenage daughter's naive plan to save their marriage--lead to dire consequences. The deeply imagined interior lives of the characters portrayed with vivid realism and insight makes this debut novel a particularly engrossing read. The themes and universal issues it addresses presents much for reflection and book club discussions.