Secret in the Daisy

A novella based on Carol Grace's experiences as a foster child.'Just a wisp of a reminiscence makes an ingenuous return to a girl's growing up and this is her childlike prattle of memories and moments which bring her to the brink of maturity (some might question this). For from the time when the daisy tells her that her mother loves her not-there are other intimations:-the many moves- and maids with whom she is left; her mother's trips to Europe--'on business'; the phone calls and the sorties. And so for her this childhood is untenanted except by her thoughts; there's an even lonelier year at boarding school; out of school, at 16, she meets 'him'-and there's the ecstasy of a short affair so that her efflorescence is complete. To complete this-there's a footnote-by the author; 'I was born in New York City...I think I am well-educated, because...most of my life has been something of an education. I have been married twice and divorced twice-to the same man. (Saroyan) I have been asked what made me think of this book. I don't know.' One might suspect Bonjour Tristesse, but the petals aren't going to say hello again.'-Kirkus Reviews