In Clara's Hands

by Joseph Olshan

Book Overview

Clara Mayfield is back - the irrepressible Jamaican heroine of Joseph Olshan's award-winning Clara's Heart. At 75, Clara comes to the emotional rescue of Will Kaplan, a character from Olshan's... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0747557047
• ISBN13: 9780747557043
• Release Date: January 2002
• Publisher: Bloomsbury UK
• Length: 305 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.0" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

Loves lost, loves regained

Clara Mayfield of the title was some twenty years ago the Jamaican housekeeper to the Kaplan family: self absorbed Mr and Mrs Kaplan, the headstrong elder son teenage Danny, and Will, a fit and healthy swimmer who idolised his older brother. Clara is a forthright woman with a strong personality and an open mind, and she quickly brings Danny into line, and soon establishes a close loving and trusting relationship with both boys, but tragedy strikes when Danny is killed in a skiing accident at the age of eighteen. Five years ago Will enjoyed a relationship lasting for one year with Peter Arcenaux, but his lover walked out on him when he could no longer take the worry of Will's propensity for late night swimming in stormy seas. However the story starts in the present, with Will a now successful dealer in antique maps. Having since lost contact with Peter, Will befriends his mother Marie Arcenaux in the hopes of regaining his lover. As the story opens Will is in Europe awaiting the arrival of Marie on a flight from the States, but while he is waiting he learns that the plane went down off Long Island. On his return there is considerable uncertainty as to whether Marie was on the flight on not. Peter's sister Grace, who's suffering with cancer, is also trying to locate her mother Marie. The story unfolds, told in the third person from Clara's and from Grace's perspective, and in the first person by both Will and by Marie, as much in reflection on the past as in the present. We learn much of the different families' backgrounds and troubled relationships, and how they cope with their present problems: Grace's recurrence of cancer and Marie's continued disappearance, and of course Will and Peter and their longing to get back together but each uncertain how the other feels. Clara remains a steadfast support throughout. This is a very warm and involving story; the lively infusion from Clara's aspect provides much needed relief from the sometimes oppressive worries of the others. Olshan captures beautifully her Jamaican dialogue, and her freeness of expression lends a touch of humour. As the story reaches its end we are left to draw our own conclusions on the outcome of some problems, but we are also faced with a sudden and shocking realisation, while yet another problem is resolved most satisfyingly. (It is a pity that the writing was spoilt by the repeated incorrect use of the second person personal pronoun)

A visit with old friends...

Reading In Clara's Hands was so much like attending my 20th high school reunion. Even though all the news and all the stories weren't wonderful, I was back among the safety of close and trusted friends. In Clara's Hands is a journey that takes place in the past and the present. The first two words on the first page: Clara Mayfield. Read just a little farther and Blanche is mentioned. Then Will and David and Mrs. Hart. Add Marie, Grace and Peter to the mix and the resulting story is complex and compelling. Will needs Clara to help him conquer demons of the past and present, while at the same time, Clara has her own demoms to overcome. Mystery and suspense surround the disappearance of Marie, while Grace anxiously awaits word about her mother. Time, being of the essense, adds to the heightened sense of urgency. Grace is dying now. Danny died quite a while ago and everyone needs to come to terms with the past and the present. Clara, with all her wisdom, tries to give Will strength, yet Clara is also suffering to come to terms with Danny's death. Will seems to be surrounded by death...his brother, his ex's mother and his ex's sister. It all seems a little to much to take. This is another strong story that uses characters of the past and familiar current events to instantly draw you in. This is another great novel that I highly recommend.

Much like life...

What can I say, but another fresh endearing look into the life of Will Kaplan and why he is such a unforgettable character. When I first heard there was another book featuring the same characters from 'Nightswimmer' and 'Clara's Heart. I went out to 3 different bookstore to find it. I was not disappointed by this haunting, and honest novel told from quite a few perspectives of current and remembered events. There are many things I could say this book is about: hope, longing, family, trust, faith, fate. But of all those things, to me, it's mainly about surviving the past. The ways that different people choose to perceive/cope with the past,and the understanding that can come from it, if we really get honest with ourselves. How there is more to just surviving the past, but having to to decide 'what do I do now?'. Although I was a bit confussed about when this story actually takes place. Was this before or after he had met and lost Chad? Also he went from being a map collector in this book, to a writer , but I don't remember Will collecting maps, as well as writing in 'Nightswimmer'. But otherwise there are no complaints, he kept me guessing almost till the end. If you have never read one of Mr.Olshan's books, take the chance to read one of his other well written novels. (Nightswimmer and 'A Warmer Season' are my favorites) He is one of the few authors I have read that, rather than wrapping the ending all up in a pretty bow, he leaves the resolution in your hands, much like life really is.