THE FRIEND OF THE FAMILY

Decency defies evil when the carnival comes to town in Depression-era America.

Early in life, Alida—who has no last name—writes a journal even as she’s exploited as a carnival freak by “Captain” Forest Farnam. Although her face is pretty, her torso causes paying customers to recoil in horror. Readers are spared the details. Farnam steals library books to keep her entertained in her solitary existence, and Alida can remember every word of every book she reads; she’s surprised it’s not true for everyone. Then when she’s 17, a wealthy and outraged couple confronts Farnam and purchases her freedom for a steep price. Loretta and Franklin Fairchild are highly successful movie makers who adopt Alida into their warm and welcoming family, bestowing “kindness without pity.” Now she has two sisters and a brother, all clever and talented people who treat her as an equal. Indeed, the Fairchilds are an idealized family lacking in fault. And they have a German shepherd, Rafael, who plays his own sweet, supporting role in the story. Alida becomes a true friend of the family, and much happiness ensues until someone poisons poor Rafael to the brink of death. Perhaps the perpetrator is Farnam, who occasionally haunts Alida’s nightmares and daymares. But the near tragedy brings out another remarkable quality in her, one that is otherworldly and best not to mention here. Threats build slowly as the family glides through the Depression barely affected. The four children spend their teens teasing each other without malice and investigating “mysteries” in their Clyde Tombaugh Club. But over the years, Captain Farnam isn’t through with the Fairchilds, resenting their wealth and apparent immunity to hardship. Meanwhile, Alida keeps reminding herself to stay alert, even when she’s unsure why. The whole family is appealing, but the Captain seems more dirtbag than devil, as the peril he poses takes a long time to show itself. That said, the showdown is well worth the wait. Will good prevail in this compassionate, emotional story?

Readers’ eyes may spring a few leaks, so keep your tissues handy.