The Secret Child

Book excerpt: Woven with the harsh realities of pre-Civil War South Carolina is an unexpected tale of gypsies and fairies. But this is not a nursery book--no fairy dust and wings. And yet it is infused with magic and beauty—while effortlessly layered with the complexities of freedom, human rights, justice, and life decisions. The seemingly disparate environments are deftly blended with a strong rhythm and lyrical style that keep the reader flowing emotionally and seamlessly from one reality to the next. The story follows young Marika, an Irish traveler, through a fantastical tale of innocence and truth, and the power of our beliefs and love for one another.