Come Down Somewhere
The shadow of Trinity, the first nuclear bomb test in July 1945, hangs over the events in this novel. The story alternates between 1944-45 and 1952, examining how Olive Alexander and Jo Hawthorn become friends, and how their contact was abruptly broken due to consequences of war.
In 1944, Olive lives on a remote ranch in New Mexico and resents the Army’s commandeering of their family property, forcing her to move into Alamogordo to live with her grandmother. Jo’s father is the Army officer sent to take over the ranch. Olive’s resentment makes her resist Jo’s friendly overtures, and non-religious Olive doesn’t understand Jo’s faith. They eventually overcome their differences, to the point where Olive plans to break family ties and leave town with Jo to see the world and do missionary work.
In 1952, Jo still does not know why Olive failed to show up at the bus station in 1945. Jo returns to Alamogordo to handle her estranged father’s affairs. He is dying of cancer, one of many cases that developed among residents after the bomb test. Another hospital visitor, Charlie, tries to befriend Jo, offering her rides and buying meals. What exactly does he want from her? He seems to be looking for Olive as well, but why? The two timelines come together in the final chapters with a shocking revelation.
Fallout, nuclear and otherwise, figures in the story. Actions of some characters produce fallout for others. The setting is evocative and characterizations excellent. The alternating time frame drives the plot forward; I was nearly late for work one day because I wanted to find out what would happen next. No sophomore slump for Wright, this is in the same class as her HNR Editors’ Choice debut novel, If It Rains. Highly recommended inspirational fiction.
