The Loss of What We Never Had

New York Times Book Review says, “Ms. Thorman’s characters would be prickly…but she makes them intriguing and sympathetic.”

Paige Glasgow, an American psychiatrist visiting Spain, discovers the decapitated head of a Muslim woman on the beach. Is the work of jihadists? the Sons of the Emir? Or a hate crime perpetrated by the Knights of Constancia, Catholic terrorists hell-bent on reviving the Inquisition. Against her better judgement, Paige enters into an abusive relationship with a seductive officer of the Knights, making herself a player in the centuries-old conflict between Muslims and Christians.

The Pope is to attend the dedication ceremony of a statue of the Virgin within sight of the Moroccan coast. The jihadists threaten bombs. The Knights retaliate by kidnapping HAMID, an imam’s child. Growing attached to the infant, Paige refuses to return him to the jihadists. With fire and guns the ceremony becomes a killing zone. Only the Pope has the power to resolve the hostilities. His actions will change her life, challenge her relationships and faith…Can she live with whatever he decides?

“…a rollicking earthy volume whose protagonists endear themselves in their desire.” -Publishers’ Weekly

“…the stories call up…the rhythms of Grace Paley and Louise Erdrich.” -Kirkus Reviews

From Bob Sachochis, winner of the American Book Award for Easy in the Islands, “Carolyn Thorman has much in common with Jayne Ann Phillips and Breece Pancake…shares the same jarring sense of intimate dislocation.”