Absolution by Alice McDermott

This is a powerful and subtle novel that intertwines two stories. At the heart is the relationship between Patricia and Charlene in 1963 Vietnam, and their efforts to help Vietnamese civilians. The narrative – told through correspondence between Patricia and Charlene’s now adult daughter Rainey – examines themes of duty, compassion, and the impact of war.

Spring in the Wallowa Mountains

[I tried the Wordpress AI to generate this excerpt]
In May 2024, a group visited Joseph, Oregon, inspired by their friends’ travel tales. They rented a house near Wallowa Lake and encountered light snow. They toured Valley Bronze, dined at The Outlaw, and explored the scenic Alps of Oregon. The trip ended with a stop in Pendleton for an underground tour.