"The Nearness Of You"

"Who is her mother?" That's the question that haunts "The Nearness Of You" ($27 in hardcover from Ballantine Books; also for Amazon Kindle) by Amanda Eyre Ward. The bestselling novelist, based in Austin, Texas, will speak in Chico May 6 at the Jesus Center Spring Luncheon held at California Park.

The story begins in 2000 with an unsettling revelation from Suzette Kendall's husband, Hyland. On their first date she was clear that she did not want children, mostly because her mother suffered from a genetically-based mental illness and Suzette did not want to take the risk.

She was a sufferer herself, though medication kept the darkness at bay. Over the years Suzette had become an internationally-recognized pediatric heart surgeon, exuding confidence in the operating room, enjoying friends and a loving husband. Yet now, at 39, her world was about to be profoundly shaken. After fifteen years of marriage Hyland admits he wants a child, and proposes a surrogacy.

Eventually they settle on Dorothy (Dorrie) Muscarello, "fertile, unstable, beautiful," a high school graduate who wants to use the money for college.

Frequent first-person chapters bring a searing intimacy to the novel. "Why did I do it?" Dorrie asks. "Why did I sign up to be a surrogate, to lease my body, growing a child to sell to Hyland and Suzette Kendall? The clinic tells you, by the way, that you will be compensated for your time and care … not for the baby. But it's the baby you're being paid for. Your baby. You." Who will be her mother?

The novel explores this question with an emotional intensity that will keep readers turning pages until the very end, a surprising and satisfying conclusion.

Amanda Eyre Ward is the featured speaker at the Second Annual Jesus Center Spring Luncheon, Saturday, May 6, at Lakeside Pavilion at California Park, 2565 California Park Drive in Chico. Tickets are $45 per person, with proceeds to benefit the housing programs at the Jesus Center.

Doors open at 10:30 a.m. with the program beginning at 11:00 a.m. Tickets are available online at jesuscenter.org/events or call Amber at (530) 345-2640. Books will be available for sale and signing at the event.