Publisher's Synopsis
His Eye is on the Sparrow is a family saga with humor and an uplifting positive theme in the Judeo-Christian beliefs that are as much a part of this upper middle-class mid-western family as the comfort and privilege that was never flaunted, never verbalized, and seldom even realized by the youngest daughter, Olivia Mason. There is a brief intro to "Little Egypt," also known as Southern Illinois, with a brief encounter with the lack of modern conveniences, and an aborted attempt with gun thieves. Grandma's inspiring determination to keep the guns and preserve the heritage is woven throughout the story. The new family home via a gun deal, a Duris Egg Flintlock, gave pause, and the conflict on teachings at school; values, customs, speech, but Grandma lighted the way. "Justice" does prevail, quietly, while Climbing through Fences provides an acceptable solution to a dastardly act on children. Olivia, affectionately called "Toot," grows up in one of America's most defining hours: while her brother serves in the War in the Pacific, Toot and her family fight their own battles at home. The King Of Nilesville, was the first male child born on New Year's Day, and was grandly proclaimed the King. The Mother's refusal to acknowledge the little-understood Down's Syndrome, and her imagined fear of impoverishment, shadows the home. Toot searches for answers to the many challenges facing this 1940's home, as Grandma deftly and wisely guides her. A White Horse-A Black Wreath, plunges Toot into a red-orange world of grief, yet requiring physical feats of strength and a stratagem of "cheerfulness," in the demanding 24/7 care for the Trisomy 21 child. Alf has returned from the War with malaria, hating the world that denies him peace of mind, body, and soul. Toot's Mother's decision to send her away brings her personal anguish and despair. Yet she clings to the belief that she still has: God to watch over her, the legacy of the Guns, and. Grandma's well known principles.
