Manyebook

The Small Things That End the World

From the Giller-longlisted author of The Factory Voice comes a new novel in a similar vein: a story of the strength and resilience of three separate women, who, at three different points in history, are forced to make tough decisions and come face-to-face with calamities outside of their control.

It’s 1954, and Sadie Wilder is focused on just one thing: the shot she has to prove herself as the rootin’est, tootin’est, gosh darn best babysitter, or at least better than Wanda Keller, babysitter-extraordinaire for the wealthy, posh Bannister family. When Wanda is unable to fulfill her duties, it is Sadie who leaps at the chance to babysit the Bannister children, Bobby and Faith. Sadie is certain she can deal with any obstacle that might come up, until it starts to rain... and doesn’t stop.

Hurricane Hazel wreaks havoc on the Bannister house, and in the end Sadie manages to save herself and the baby, Faith, from the destruction that ravages the neighbourhood, but Bobby is missing. Sadie goes into hiding, fearing her failure to save Bobby means she will be punished.

Moving among Faith, Sadie, and Faith’s daughter, Amber, Jeanette Lynes has crafted a beautifully written story of three women on the margins as each tries to get by on her own. The novel culminates in 2005, as a second hurricane sets the stage for a reunion and redemption.

  • Format
  • paperback
  • Pages
  • 304
  • Language
  • english
  • ISBN
  • 9781550509335
  • Genres
  • fiction
  • Release date
  • 2018