The Shortest Way Home

September 24, 2012
Three decades ago, Sean Doran’s mother died at 33 of Huntington’s disease, and his father, a merchant marine, left Sean and his two siblings in the care of their cold and distant Aunt Vivian. Though the siblings grow up aware of the threat of Huntington’s, they’ve never been tested; Sean’s sentiment, “I didn’t take it. I didn’t want to know,” is shared by all. Sean, now 44, has spent years exploring the world as a nurse, from one war-torn region to another. But when his brother, Hugh, dies of pneumonia, his sister, Deidre, puts her acting career on hold to care for Hugh’s son, Kevin, and their aunt, who she says has “lost it.” Sean returns from Africa and assumes the parental burden, a responsibility for which he is ill equipped. Soon, he reconnects with Becky, his childhood friend, but their budding romance is threatened by Sean’s pathological reluctance to put down roots, and he has to finally decide what’s most important to him. Fay’s third novel (after Deep Down True) is a touching exploration of a damaged family working to repair itself, with universal appeal in Sean’s reluctance to assume responsibility. Agent: Theresa Park.

Starred review from October 1, 2012

Fay once again draws readers into an absorbing world of domestic complications and heart-tugging characters. Sean's family life was rocked by Huntington's disease, which took his young mother's life. After being raised by his prickly aunt, he fled Belham, MA, to work as a nurse in various war-torn countries. Twenty years later, he is called home when his aunt shows signs of decline. Both Sean's sister and his recently deceased brother's 11-year-old son need his help. But how easily can Sean step out of his African life and into parenting a young boy and caring for his failing aunt? When his sister moves away, Sean faces with a difficult decision; then he rekindles a relationship with an old friend from high school. Fay deftly handles the intricacies and emotions of family life while keeping the pace brisk. She also incorporates characters from her previous novel, Shelter Me, and these glimpses into their future are a joy. VERDICT Fay is one of the best authors of women's fiction, and her novels are not to be missed. A moving, introspective look at what it means to be family, and to be truly home. Recommended for public libraries.--Beth Gibbs, Davidson, NC

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2012
Sean Doran is an expert at keeping his family at a distance, for good reason. His mother died a long, slow death from Huntington's disease, and Sean isn't certain that he's dodged that genetically passed bullet. So he finds his purpose as a nurse in Third World countries, patching up strangers, victims of tribal warfare. Twenty years after his mother's death, he flies back to the States to recharge and steps into a whole new disaster zone. His elderly aunt is showing signs of dementia, his 11-year-old orphaned nephew seems to be raising himself, and Sean's sister, fed up with keeping an eye on both, heads off to pursue an acting career. Fay's third novel follows the heartfelt journey of a man who has spent a lifetime escaping family ties only to discover a pull much more fulfilling than leaving. Fans of Fay's first novel, Shelter Me (2009), will spot a familiar face in Sean's hometown, and readers old and new will fall in love with the flawed, endearing cast of characters. A beautifully written novel infused with Fay's generous spirit.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)