As the scarred hands of Africa enfold each member, the Slepys experience dark days of tragedy, triumph, superstition, faith, lies and the staggering, naked truths that will ultimately bring them out of themselves and home to each other.

Amaryllis in Blueberry, the sophomore novel by Madapple author Christina Meldrum, is a dark family drama that twists and turns in so many directions it's difficult to keep up. Or describe. As each of the Slepys adds their story, the tale becomes ever more complex, ever more compelling. Sumptuous, haunting, and evocative, Meldrum's prose brings every character, every emotion, every detail to vivid life. You can't help but feel it all expanding inside you - the hope along with the heartache - resonating, staying with you whether you want it to or not. It's a depressing story, make no mistake, but one that refuses to be put down. Or forgotten.

(Readalikes: Um, nothing really comes to mind.)

Grade: B

If this were a movie, it would be rated: PG-13 for language (no F-bombs), violence and sexual content

To the FTC, with love: I received an ARC of Amaryllis in Bluberry from the generous folks at Gallery Books and Inkwell Management (for whom this review was written).