Searching for His Sister

Rich in detail, the book still seems unfinished. Hemley has turned over a lot of rocks in his examination of his family and himself. But the reader finishes the book with a disquieting sense of incompletion. Despite the depth of confessions strung through its pages, Nola seems lacking, as if Hemley couldn't go the final mile in finding the answers to questions often not asked, much less examined closely.

Despite these perceived imperfections, Nola must be recognized as what it is: a sobering account of family, a devastating confession of the intricacies of families. Robin carries scars that run deep. He believes that his leaving home caused the deaths of loved ones. He was away for the night when his father had a sudden heart attack. He was gone on two instances when childhood friends died unexpectedly. And worst of all, he was not there when his mysterious sister perished.

Although Robin Hemley, as depicted in the pages of this entrancing story, isn't always likable, he remains throughout totally human, brave, and a gifted writer.

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