House Broken

Starred review from January 1, 2015

Geneva Novak is a skilled veterinarian and animal behaviorist, but being an expert in those areas doesn't translate into a knack for human interactions. When Helen, her alcoholic mother, gets injured in an accident, it is Geneva, one of four siblings, who is called upon to care for her. Hesitant to take her in because of their strained relationship, as well as her own issues with parenting two teens, Geneva acquiesces to husband Tom's wishes. Tom comes from a very close-knit family and is certain that Helen's visit will help mother and daughter heal. Throughout Helen's stay, however, various family secrets come to light, throwing Geneva's relationship with both mother and siblings simultaneously into turmoil. In alternating chapters narrated by Helen, Geneva, and Ella, Geneva's daughter, Yoerg nails various voices and keeps the reader guessing as she delicately weaves an intricate web of deception, denial, heartache, and healing. VERDICT A stunning debut that will leave readers wanting more! Yoerg is on par with established women's fiction authors such as Jennifer Weiner and Sarah Pekkanen.--Erin Holt, Williamson Cty. P.L., Franklin, TN

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2014
In a complex family story spanning three generations, debut novelist Yoerg spells out the toxic consequences of keeping secrets. Veterinarian Geneva Novak is faced with a difficult decision after her mother, Helen, gets behind the wheel while drunk and is involved in a serious car accident. Geneva, always troubled by her alcoholic mother's self-destructive behavior, has never felt close to her but reluctantly agrees to care for Helen while she recuperates. Geneva is also worried about how her mother's behavior will affect her two teenage children, Charlie and Ella, who have lately been secretive and difficult. It's only Geneva's husband, Paul, who is totally supportive of the new arrangement, ever hopeful that the two can repair their relationship. But what Geneva learns about why her mother drinks so much is almost too painful to fathom. This disturbing story, narrated in turn by Geneva, Ella, and Helen, conveys the misunderstanding and confusion that can result from failing to fully process past events. Yoerg's easy prose and deft characterization make her dark subject matter even more unsettling.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)