Beyond Molasses Creek, by Nicole A. Seitz, is ultimately a story of finding peace and spirituality. Along the way, Seitz takes the reader on two parallel journeys - that of an American woman trying to find a place in her life's future, and a Nepalese woman trying to find the true story of her past.
I was intrigued by Seitz' Inheritance of Beauty, but Beyond Molasses Creek is one of those books that draws you in and doesn't let you go until well after you're finished. I was mesmerized by the story of Ally and the struggles she has to overcome when she returns to her Southern hometown after her father's death. Her uneasy transition into this new season of her life is one that most readers can identify with. Her friendship with her African-American neighbor - once taboo but now accepted - only added to my compassion for the character. Ally is someone whom you'd like to invite over for a cup of tea and a nice chat.
In contrast to Ally's experience, Sunila's experience as an Untouchable is heart wrenching. I was especially taken in by the comparison to the de juris caste system in Nepal vs. the de facto caste system in America. I was skeptical at first that the parallel storylines would work, but they intertwine beautifully.
This book is fascinating on several levels. I highly recommend it.
Four out of Five Stars
Disclaimer: I was provided an Advance Review Copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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