
Unprepared is the best word to describe Agnes in this terrific novel set in one very tumultuous year of her life. Unprepared for her husband, Jack’s, actions that leave her and her baby daughter on the brink of destitute. Unprepared when he sends her to work across the country at a Bronx middle school. Unprepared to deal with five testing, misbehaving middle school boys.
But, Agnes has the wherewithal to see beyond the confines of her new life and to see the quickly depleting but still present value in each of the boys. All the while she, herself, is struggling to make sense of Jack’s actions and hoping they will reunite.
The novel really draws you in with each chapter. You will find yourself rooting for Agnes and for her boys.