DUNDAS, Canada, March 28, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Many, if not most, authors award their most favored characters to the young and able. To counter this trend, author Michael Clark has written a trilogy of novellas exploring the comedy, conflicts, tragedies and joys of still active seniors. While likely appealing in particular to mature readers and to those with Catholic backgrounds, Golden Years (now available through 1stBooks Library) will also provide insights to caregivers and others involved with the elderly.
The Second Time Around, Clark's first story, follows Celia Frazier as she moves in to St. Therese's nursing home. Comparatively young at 69, she begins aiding those less able than she. Celia soon becomes enamored with a robust 80 year old, John Connors. Despite Connor's intervening stroke they decide to marry. Connors' declining health is an increasing worry. Will Celia lose the joy of her life?
In The Man On The Balcony, Clark introduces Eunice Cooper, another nursing home resident and widow of a prominent lawyer. Encouraged to recover completely from a second stroke by her physician and a mysterious young man who visits her from the balcony, Eunice conceives a mission to befriend her Polish roommate whom she secretly loathes. Eunice's high-minded intentions begin to unravel and the eventual outcome is calamitous. In this story, which includes murder and tragic misjudgements, readers are treated to a riveting mystery.
The last novella, Dear Maureen, deals with the relationship between a middle-aged lawyer, Stewart Molner, and his rapidly aging and once feared father, Stephen. Stephen's bizarre and often comic behaviors begin to get the best of Stewart. The relationship peaks when Stephen's death reveals a spiritual change that transforms Stewart's life. Comical, sad yet moving, the story will deeply touch the heart.
A retired high school English teacher and resident of Dundas, Ontario, for over 20 years Clark has been a pastoral visitor to nursing homes, a Third World charity volunteer and field ornithologist. He is currently working on other literary projects, including poetry. Golden Years is Clark's first published work.
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