A Map of the World

Summary

There could be no loss greater than the death of one’s child—until unwittingly you cause the death of a friend’s child who has been left in your care. Thirty-two-year-old Alice Goodwin began the unremarkable June day much as every other on the small dairy farm—her oldest daughter Emma’s tantrum ringing in her ears. Amid the din and confusion in the farmhouse, Alice dreams of how life might have turned out differently. Suddenly, within the span of minutes, Alice’s map of her world is forever altered when her neighbor’s two-year-old—left with Alice for the morning—wanders away and drowns in the farm pond.

In the style of Jane Smiley or Sue Miller, award-winning author Jane Hamilton composes an emotionally charged story of guilt, atonement and love that survives the onslaught of life. Masterfully written as if in Alice’s own hand, with a portion from her husband Howard’s perspective, A Map of the World immerses the listener in Alice’s private maelstrom of guilt.