Three Roses and a Thorn

As Rebecca M. Elizondo’s first novel unfolds, a multifaceted, unbreakable bond is revealed between mother, grandmother, and daughter. It is through the experiences of three generations of Latina women in one family that they discover the common but undeserved circumstance of being fatherless daughters. Through their unique stories and shared history, these women explore the power of resilience, hope, and unconditional love, in spite of the challenges they face. Also, Alma, Hope, and Gabby struggle with the long goodbye to Alma’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis ends with a lifetime of unanswered questions. In the end, Alma and her girls learn that the power of love, family, and forgiveness can create a bond stronger then a magnetic force and can be passed down through generations. Despite the pain of the circumstances, they come to understand the importance of cherishing every moment spent together and the impact of their shared legacy. Taking their annual vacation at the beach house on Mother’s Day marked a turning point in their relationship. There is a lot of deal with Alma’s deteriorating health, Gabby's future opportunity, and Hope trying to complete the puzzle on her own. Spending quality time together surrounded by nature and away from the hustle and bustle of the city allowed them to process their feelings and talk openly about their concerns. It also gave them a chance to relax and appreciate each other, allowing them to get closer and better understand each other’s needs. As the women reflected on their pasts, they found that reminiscing about abandonment, neglect, and betrayal brought each of them closer together this weekend. By comparing how the father/daughter relationship has damaged them with male friendships or marriages, they have been able to convince themselves that the love they have for each other is worth more than the past. When they vow to end the legacy of pain caused by their fathers, they gain insight into the voids they used to make life better by their vices of alcohol, cutting, anger, and feelings of low self-esteem. This fresh outlook of understanding and forgiveness has strengthened them to move forward not allowing any situation take over their power. A passage from Hope’s journal opens each chapter, filled with sarcastic humor describing her mistakes, achievements, and her cynical recognition of reality. These passages serve as a reminder of the struggles Hope has endured young or old while also providing a much-needed moment of levity. Hope’s perspective on life gives people the courage to try things they otherwise wouldn’t have, knowing that if they fail, they still learn something from the experience she had botched or flourished on. It allows them to look at life’s difficulties to laugh at yourself and take receipt on all our mistakes or not, which gives them the strength to move forward with empowerment. There is much to enjoy in the journey that these three women from such different generations take together, as they navigate their challenging, turbulent, and ultimately healing journey together. As well as being heartbreaking and funny at times - and always insightful - Rebecca M. Elizondo has written a book about family that addresses universal truths that many people struggle with each day.