Patti Callahan Henry’s charming book about the power of imagination and story, “The Secret Book of Flora Lea,” will be the subject of the “First Thursday Book Discussion” at the Columbia Public Library on Thursday, March 7 at noon.
I know I took refuge in stories as a child and teenager — actually, I still do! In Callahan Henry’s novel, older sister Hazel invents a secret fantasy world shared only between the sisters as a refuge and distraction from the loss and displacement of WWII. When her little sister, Flora, disappears mysteriously, Hazel is shattered. She abandons their fairytale realm.
Twenty years later, Hazel is working in an antique bookshop when she comes across an illustrated book that echoes their shared stories. Hazel is set upon a mission to find the origin of the stories.
“The Secret Book of Flora Lea,” works on many levels. It is a good story of sisters and also a mystery, but also has many themes to explore about growing up, the symbolism of stories, love and guilt.
Join us in March to explore these themes and share your thoughts with other community members.
