Fragile by Lisa Unger

Synopsis:  Welcome to small town life in The Hollows.  Everyone knows everyone else and their business.  Life is an open book, or is it?  As a child Maggie wanted nothing more than to escape life in The Hollows, as an adult she returns to raise her family.  When her son's girlfriend disappears Maggie begins to recall another disappearance many years ago.  So many things about the two are similar she begins to ask questions.  What she finds out may destroy everything she trying to protect.



My thoughts:  Once again, I have to confess to being drawn to a book by its cover.  A woman walking along a path, alone on a chilly fall day.  What is she walking away from, or is she walking toward something?  Then I read the synopsis and knew I had to read it.  I haven't decided which character the cover is meant to portray or if it is portraying one at all. If you've read it, what did you think of the cover?  

Lisa Unger is a new to me author, but I understand that Fragile is quite different from her previous works as she is known for writing literary thrillers.  You do get a feel for this style in Fragile but the focus is more on the relationships between the townsfolk both past and present.
 
I enjoyed the story. There was enough intrigue to keep me interested, but I can't go so far as to say that it was a "page turner".  I thought the relationships were interesting.  Maggie and Jones are an interesting couple.  Both of them wanted to leave The Hollows, one does but ultimately returns to make a life there.  They obviously love one another, but there is something creating a void between them.  The relationship that each of them has with their son, Ricky is complicated in its own way. 


What is the hold that the Hollows has on each of the characters?  All of these characters had a strong desire to leave The Hollows, but they never did.  Is the pull of your "hometown" something that is only found in books and the movies or is this an actual phenomenon?

If you are looking for a thriller, this isn't the one for you. Having said that, I think that Fragile is worth reading.  I might have to revisit it once fall is in the air, when the leaves are changing.  It is a good one to snuggle under a blanket with a mug of your favorite warm beverage.