The Bar Harbor Retirement Home for Famous Writers (And Their Muses): A Novel

Stories within stories, what one might expect from a collection of authors from the days of Parker and Salinger, all now spending their last days at The Pen, a grand house reclaimed and repurposed by a former agent, known to them all: providing a safe place for all who enter. From residents to live-in staff, each of the characters we meet in this story finds purpose, hope and even insights during their stay. What emerges are several ‘key’ stories for each person we meet: from Olivia’s abusive marriage and her subsequent outrageous, if not wholly confrontational behavior, Switch, the observer, confident in quiet, steady and solid. Judith, the editor in the early stages of dementia, known for her ability to serve the story only, not the author egos. Alphonse, the last to arrive and the one around whom the story seems to rotate – his body failing even as his itch to write is awakening, spurred on by Cecibel. An orderly at The Pen since she was released after a massive car accident that left her scarred. When Alfonse, spurred on by his own memories, the thought of the admiration from Cecibel, and her hopes that he will sign one of his books for her, he finds a story, one that had no end or plan, but a story nonetheless. Olivia, being herself and unable /unwilling to allow Alfonse to retreat from her spots the story – and the plan is hatched. She and he will each write in alternating chapters, telling a story, perhaps their last story – that only Cecibel (in a series of faux-secrets) shall read. No planning, no discussion, no rewrites. Soon, the story becomes the focal point, as Olivia and Alphonse have a project, noticeable to both Switch and Judith. Soon the story becomes a ‘known secret’ between the four: a story set when they were young and hopeful, a romance with teeth and truth, the only audience to be Cecibel. I’m not entirely sure what I expected from this book, and I think that even as it progressed, my expectations changed to wish for stories from all the characters, major and minor. Histories and backstories, fears and challenges, growth and acceptance of the end are all highlighted and bring readers in- the sly humor, the reveling in days past, even the gradual awakening for Cecibel that allows the hope of romance into her life, after years of hiding away and isolating herself. Not a fast paced story, the book within the book brings insight and a diversion as these once literary greats now write with a freedom that perhaps they never before experienced. It’s not about the process or even the end product here- it is a story that shows possibilities and open doors, even as it is draped in the finality of death and loss. Engaging, engrossing and quietly all-encompassing, this is a story to experience and enjoy. I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Rarely do you find a story so compelling let alone two stories that offer such meaning and a fresh look at life from so many perspectives.