Diego is Here - by Gwen C Delp (Paperback)

About the Book

The death of their mother brings siblings Laurel and Simon back across the Cascades to try and solve the mystery surrounding their mother's departure, unraveling a tapestry of family history.

Book Synopsis

In this novel, Delp returns to her favorite subject of family dynamics and rural life. The characters are part of a complex family history that on the surface appears to be very ordinary. But as the layers are peeled back, the reader enters into the hearts and minds of the characters, including their secrets and their regrets. From a Norwegian grandma, to the younger generation, you experience the heart aches and pleasures of everyday living.

Nature plays its part in this story as the craft of gardening and the love of the soil reach out and touch and transform the lives of the characters. The characters are recognizable across generations and reveal the warmth of family love as well as the pain of those connections. Misunderstanding and suffering from a homophobic environment plagues Simon, the son. Meeting the expectations of parents who want different things from you, is Laurel's crossroad. Their Aunt plays a significant role in their lives and that of their mother, but not without suffering and sacrifice.

This is an easy read and will leave you thinking about the families you know and are a part of.

Review Quotes

A fascinating story, many interwoven themes, and complex characters that seem so real they could be my neighbors from the farm country. Compelling human story.

Jean F., Educator

Families have secrets. The different impact they have on each member creates the characters that grab your attention and pull you into the story of "Diego is Here". I was hooked from the beginning and could not wait to read more. I looked forward to reading another book by this author.

Sandy D., Educator

An engaging portrait of characters who seek to find their way between their past, their family and what could. Family secrets and how families support each other come together with a twist and bloom into a story I continue to reflect upon. A delightful read...

Mike R., Avid Reader

The rich farmland of the Yakima Valley provides the backdrop for family secrets revealed and questions answered. A peek behind the curtain of a steadfast clan as they move toward a new future.

Lynda V., Author

Delp's gift lies not just in her vibrant descriptions of the natural world, but in her deft compassionate character work. Delp explores, with nuance and grace, the secrets that haunt families - buried truths that await someone brave enough to till the soil.

Mamie L., Attorney