Resumo de The Evidence Against Her

On a single
day in 1888, three babies were born in Washburn,
Ohio within hours of each other.
Lily Scofield, her cousin Warren and their friend Robert Butler were
inseparable as children, and grew up as an unbreakable threesome.

In
adulthood, their bond weakens when Lily and Robert marry. Townsfolk speculate
on Warren''s
true feelings for his cousin, but he never acts on their assumptions. When
Robert is called to serve in World War I, Lily and Warren spend a great deal of
time together. Headstrong Lily still believes she can maintain the childhood
friendship. Her plans are complicated by Warren''s
marriage to Agnes Claytor. The story continues to follow these four people, in
marriage right through to the births of their children, while living in the
heart of the changing nation.

The
Evidence Against Her
is a novel of painstaking detail. The major events in the lives of the
characters are merely scenery. Author Robb Forman Dew prefers to focus on the
emotions and feelings of her four main figures. Special attention is paid to
dysfunctional behavior within the three successful Washburn families.

Readers are
introduced to the Claytor family, which is full of abuse and manipulation. Of
course none of this behavior is witnessed outside the home. It''s also the
driving factor for young Agnes to marry much older Warren as soon as she graduates from high
school.

The
Scofields have their own issues. Warren
struggles with his own feelings. His father falls victim to alcohol. Even Lily,
who strives for an impossibly happy life, can''t always keep events under her
control.

The
Evidence Against Her
moves quickly through the characters'' lives, yet simultaneously moves quite
slowly. Dew takes the time to describe the emotions and subtle reactions of the
people of such a refined era. Readers looking for fast action may be
disappointed, as the real story is in the careful details of life in privileged
Washburn.

Dew''s story
leaves some unanswered questions, including the interpretation of the title. The
Evidence Against Her implies some sort of infraction committed by a female
character. The most obvious conclusion is that the "her" is Lily, but
that''s not the case. The actual reference is up for debate as well as the evidence in question.

There''s a
possible answer at the very end of the story, though the incident revealed is
not explored. The novel''s final words are contained in a beautifully
descriptive paragraph of the evening. However, the story ends somewhat openly
leaving many to expect a sequel.

The
Evidence Against Her
is more complicated than most current releases in fiction. Today''s readers have
been spoon-fed tantalizing, somewhat obvious plots which don''t require a lot of
energy to comprehend. This novel is much more complex, commanding a great deal
of attention and devotion from the reader. In simpler terms, this isn''t a book
for your beach bag.

I was
intrigued by The Evidence Against Her even though it''s not a happy book.
I don''t plan on recommending this novel to friends who prefer pleasant fantasy
and escapism in their reads. Dew''s work is best suited for those who can
appreciate fine writing which resembles novels from the mid-19th century.

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