Forest of Arden

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Robertson ( Harv depicts Cleveland resident Sarah Rosalind Exley, an aging widow beset by forgetfulness, irascibility and physical ailments. The story begins when Sarah's sister and brother-in-law inform her that she is no longer welcome in their home. In flashbacks, we see Sarah as a saucy, adventurous girl who takes a middle-aged lover, basks in publicity after her father's pharmacy is robbed and eventually weds streetcar conductor Herbert Exley. The Exley's happiness is dimmed, however. Herb deteriorates into a bigoted inebriate and their son dies fighting in Korea. Returning to the present, Sarah disconsolately finds that none of her three children want her living with them, so she moves in with David Babb, her sister's congenial black neighbor. This unorthodox arrangement alleviates Sarah's and David's loneliness, and leads to a surprising conclusion. The plot rambles, but the author's naturalism adds depth to the characterizations, and he penetratingly illuminates problems commonly faced by the elderly. (October 27)