Walking Through Shadows
In Walking Through Shadows, Bev Marshall writes about a young woman challenged by a physical defect. Sheila develops a strong fantasy life. Her ability to create magic draws people to her, bringing triumph and tragedy. To her, overcoming adversity is “walking through shadows.”
The story takes place in Zebulon, Mississippi, in 1941. Annette, age 11, is teenaged Sheila’s best friend. The older girl comes from a family of 12 children. Beaten by her father, Sheila finds living at the Cottons’ dairy farm is a step up in the world. Their friendship builds as Annette learns to love and respect Sheila. Others are charmed by her, including Stoney Barnes, a young farmhand. Annette feels jealous when Stoney marries Sheila. The point-of-view shifts to Annette’s father, Lloyd. His view of Sheila’s murder plunges the reader into a nightmare world. Solving the murder becomes the driving force of the book, since its delicate spirit was snuffed out.
The points-of-view revolve quickly. Annette’s is descriptive, close to nature and personal details. She carries the fire into the next scene, but that narrator lacks appeal and the momentum slows. The plot sustains interest, but too many characters are driving the vehicle.
