Just Jennifer

The Nobodies Album (by Carolyn Parkhurst, June 15, 2010)

In this metafictional work, best-selling author Olivia Frost has written the last chapters of all her previous novels and combined them into one work. On the day she is to deliver her manuscript to her editor, she learns that her rock star son, Milo, from whom she has been estranged for several years, is under arrest for the murder of his girlfriend, Bettina. Milo and Olivia had a difficult relationship for most of their lives, but especially since a tragic accident in which his father and sister were killed. Unsure what to do, Olivia flies to San Francisco to be at Milo’s side and to look for his forgiveness and to mend the wrongs that have been committed. Olivia’s rewrites are interspersed with current day chapters, slowly giving clues about the accident and what may have caused the mother/son rift. As Olivia and Milo work toward a renewed relationship, much of Milo’s recent life is revealed with surprising consequences. A highly emotional story, The Nobodies Album tells the story of a family in distress and how families often heal themselves. There is also an element of mystery to the plot as mother and son work together to uncover the truth behind Bettina’s death.