Set against the gritty backdrop of Dayton, Ohio, from 1965 to 1983, The Quilted Dusk is a poignant coming-of-age saga that weaves a tapestry of resilience, redemption, and the enduring power of love. Jonah Carver, a boy with a vivid imagination, escapes his abusive, alcoholic father, Frank, by ruling a wild lot behind their working-class home-a kingdom of weeds and dreams where he battles dragons with sticks. Guided by his mother Clara's quiet strength and her ever-growing quilt, Jonah navigates a childhood marked by hardship, from schoolyard brawls to the sting of his father's belt, set against the Rust Belt's industrial hum and the era's unrest-Vietnam drafts, Kent State, and MLK's assassination.As Jonah grows, his defiance hardens into grit, leading him to enlist in the Marines, marry his steadfast love, Mary, and become a father to Tommy. Yet the scars of his past linger, pulling him back to confront Frank's decline and seek reconciliation amid loss. Clara's quilt, a patchwork of life's scraps, becomes a powerful symbol of piecing together joy from pain, guiding Jonah toward forgiveness and breaking the cycle of hate. With lyrical prose and raw emotion, The Quilted Dusk explores how love and perseverance mend even the most broken threads, offering hope in a world of shadows. Perfect for readers of This Tender Land and The Prince of Tides, this heartfelt tale will resonate with those who cherish stories of family, healing, and the human spirit.
ThriftBooks sells millions of used books at the lowest everyday prices. We personally assess every book's quality and offer rare, out-of-print treasures. We deliver the joy of reading in recyclable packaging with free standard shipping on US orders over $20. ThriftBooks.com. Read more. Spend less.