Shelter Me

By: Juliette Fay

Narrated by: Marguerite Gavin

In the tradition of Marisa de los Santos and Anne Tyler comes a moving debut about a young mother’s year of heartbreak, loss, and forgiveness—and help that arrives from unexpected sources.

Four months after her husband’s death, Janie LaMarche remains undone by grief and anger. Her mourning is disrupted, however, by the unexpected arrival of a builder with a contract to add a porch onto her house. Stunned, Janie realizes the porch was meant to be a surprise from her husband—now his last gift to her.

As she reluctantly allows construction to begin, Janie clings to the familiar outposts of her sorrow—mothering her two small children with fierce protectiveness, avoiding friends and family, and stewing in a rage she can’t release. Yet Janie’s self-imposed isolation is breached by a cast of unlikely interventionists: her chattering, ipecac-toting aunt; her bossy, overmanicured neighbor; her muffin-bearing cousin; and even Tug, the contractor with a private grief all his own.

As the porch takes shape, Janie discovers that the unknowable terrain of the future is best navigated with the help of others—even those we least expect to call on, much less learn to love.

©2009 Juliette Fay (P)2011 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“A gorgeous paradox of a book: a deep, thoughtful exploration of a young mother’s first year of widowhood that is as much a page turner as any thriller.” (Marisa de los Santos, New York Times best-selling author)

A study in grief

I sometimes think the way we grieve in the US is rather sterile compared to other parts of the world. I appreciated that the main character, Jane, was angry and lashed out so often. She had so much on her plate with two young kids. I enjoyed witnessing her begin to heal and evolve past the initial shock of sudden loss. Her family members were supportive and rounded out a great story. Juliette Fay is a gifted writer and Marguerite Gavin is a wonderful narrator. This is definitely a favorite and will be listened to again and again.

Wonderful

I was hesitant to read this after some of the reviews. It is an amazing book. Wonderful story of a family dealing with tragedy.

Enjoyable listen

It was so surprising to read a book with a respiratory therapist as the main character. Written prior to the pandemic, back before most people knew RT’s were a vital part of the hospital team. Even though it was a small part of the story it is a part I appreciated. Well written story with well written dilemmas.

awsome

loved and love the narrator very much... will recommend totally..will listen again for sure...thank you

Extremely Sad but Beautiful

If you ever lost a loved one you may have trouble finishing it but it was a beautifully written story about death and how severe tragedy can affect young children, adults, and seniors all differently and still all the same. Worth the sadness and finding love.