Miss Jane

This is such a strange and intricate and wonderfully written little book. It's the kind of book in which nothing really happens, yet an entire lifetime is described in completely absorbing detail. If the author had served up this tale with even a whiff of irony it would have seemed contrived and almost mean, but the voice that describes Jane and her circle of family and friends is thoughtful and authentic without seeming too folksy or stiff.

Sensitive and honest story of the life of a girl born with a life-altering deformity in an unenlightened age, and her relationship with a sympathetic doctor.

I really didn't intend to read this book now since it isn't being published until July, but I made the mistake of opening it, and there was no turning back from this riveting tale of the beautiful (and the worst) in the most commonplace of human experiences. I found Jane and everyone she meets, even her mis-named sister Grace, utterly endearing. The peacocks are the perfect leitmotif for the novel! I loved The Heaven of Mercury years ago and will continue to read anything Brad Watson writes.

Another southern author who is climbing up my “favorites” chart is Brad Watson, author of “Miss Jane.” The Mississippi native, now a creative writing instructor at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, has published several award-winning novels and short-story collections, but “Miss Jane” is something out of the ordinary.

Based on the true story of his own great-aunt, Watson introduces us to Jane Chisolm, born in rural 1915 Mississippi. She is burdened by a secret – a genital birth defect that keeps her mostly embarrassed and isolated. Sex, marriage and parenthood are not options.

Within her limited world, Jane fights to find her place - her voice - among the loneliness, melancholy and beauty of the South. Her physical traits do not define who she is as a person. While she can’t enjoy physical love, Jane embraces what she can – independence, love for the family farm and inner peace.

Yes, life is hard for Jane, but it’s not empty. Readers will fall in love with this character and the approach she takes to life. Watson leaves his audience feeling richer and uplifted after meeting Miss Jane.