the probable future...

The probable future by Alice Hoffman is possibly best described as a haunting story. It will stay with you long after the final page is turned. The story is based around three generations of the Sparrow family. Each woman in the Sparrow family inherits a magical gift when they turn thirteen. The story is part magic, part history, part romance, part tragedy. Intertwined is a very cleverly written study of the complexities of human relationships, especially those of family and also those who live in small towns.

Stella is the youngest member of the Sparrow family and on her thirteenth birthday discovers her gift. She can see the probable future of people around her. Stella sees when and how people will die. Asking her charming but irresponsible father to intervene to prevent a young woman being murdered results in her father becoming a suspect.

Stella and her mother Jenny end up back in the family home with grandmother Elinor.We see the struggle between each of the generations of women as they come to terms with love, loss, dreams, family history and each other. I'm not going to spoil it by telling you more. Just go out and read it for yourself. A guaranteed good read!
wishing you sunshine in your shadows
Helen