Tell the Wolves I'm Home

Carol Rifka Brunt's debut novel tells the story of 14-year-old June Elbus, who has a very special relationship with her uncle, the famous painter Finn Weiss. June is shy and doesn't make friends easily; with Finn, she finds not only a godfather but a best friend. He dies of a mysterious illness (AIDS) that June cannot really understand. She also doesn't understand who the strange man is she sees lurking at Finn's funeral. Turns out he's Finn's partner, Toby, who shared Finn's beautiful apartment and his life. Because June's mother demanded it, June was never told anything about Toby's existence. Finn went along with his sister's demands because he loved June so much and didn't want to lose the relationship he had with her. This is a bittersweet story of a child growing up into a world that seems dangerous and scary, and of finding a friend in Toby who can help her grieve for the man they both mourn. Highly recommended! This is the January title for the Delphi Morning Book Club, which meets in the library on Friday, January 25, at 9 am. Join us for a great discussion.