Description
In the 1970s, when a distant cousin dies unexpectedly, Mary Ellen and Charles Hawley agree to take his seven-year-old son Steven into their home. Steven’s birth mother, a Polish immigrant, has schizophrenia and can’t assume custody. But in a last traumatic visit, she convinces her son that a mysterious presence called the bicycle messenger has followed him into his new life.
Years later, Steven, a recovering alcoholic with a history of bipolar disorder, is working as a short-order cook. To Megan Helmsworth, a college student waiting tables, he is a sweet, doting boyfriend. But Steven becomes more and more preoccupied with his lost family of origin, and when a manic swing sends him on a quixotic journey to Poland, Megan seizes her chance to escape. In a well-meaning attempt to shelter her fragile son, Mary Ellen agrees to harbor a secret no mother should ever keep.
Told through the eyes of the three women who love Steven best—Mary Ellen, Megan, and his adoptive sister Margaret—The Bicycle Messenger is a story of generational trauma that stretches from the last days of the Kraków ghetto in 1942 all the way to 2016. But it is also a story of unexpected grace.
Joanne Sher –
This story of generational trauma and grace is an interesting “dive” into mental illness and its legacy, with well- developed characters and an engaging storyline – though it did drag at times. Stephen’s character was especially complex, and the telling of his story from three different viewpoints (his mother Mary Ellen, his sister Margaret, and his girlfriend Megan) was inventive and creative. Overall a good read.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
Erica Ruggieri –
Powerful & Captivating!
Joan Elizabeth Bauer‘s debut novel, The Bicycle Messenger is one of those novels that is hard to put down. Within the first ten pages, I was drawn into the world of relatable characters – authentic, dynamic, Real characters – and simply had to find out what happens to them. This is historical fiction at its best.
Bauer tackles difficult topics and family relationships with care and honesty. I am impressed with her ability to showcase the best & worst of humanity, all the while leading her readers to hope.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.