Sarah West has finally finished high school, finally become an adult who can leave her dysfunctional family to study art at Emory. In order to afford school, though, Sarah must first leave her overly-emotional, schizophrenic mother in Georgia to join her emotionless, workaholic father in South Carolina for a summer of work in a steel mill. It’s during Sarah’s first day at the mill that she sees the work of a mysterious serial muralist who has managed to bring art to the dusty grime of the steel industry. It’s on her second day that she meets Edgewood, the artist.
With Edgewood, Sarah has a partner in discussing and creating art, a friend her age at work, and the confidence boosting that they both need. Summer is going better than anyone could have expected until news reaches Sarah that her mother has died. Sarah’s art is blocked while she is haunted by the memories of a woman who lived often in her own world, often in an institution. But, tragedy stops for no man, and Sarah must learn to calm her demons, nurture her relationships, and accept her art.
Brian Ray’s award-winning novel is one of love, art, and loss. Sarah’s story is one sprinkled throughout with art history and Ray manages to paint and sculpt beautiful masterpieces for the reader. Upon completion of Through the Pale Door, I knew the artwork and style of Sarah and Edgewood, and I liked what I saw.
Through the Pale Door is not only great for adults, it’s also perfect for mature young adults. Inappropriate language is used sparsely and in appropriate context.
–Daphne
