|
Author Mardo Williams began writing "One Last Dance: It's Never Too Late to Fall in Love," at the age of 92, after discovering first-hand the difficulties of beginning a new life with someone else as an older adult. He asked his daughters Kay Williams and Jerri Williams Lawrence to finish the book if he could not, and they honored his wishes after his death at age 95. "One Last Dance" won the 2006 Independent Publishers Award for Best Regional Fiction, was a finalist in the 2005 National Readers' Choice Awards sponsored by the Romance Writers of America and was on the 2005 Akron Beacon-Journal list of best novels from new writers.
One Last Dance: It's Never Too Late to Fall in Love
Mardo Williams, Kay Williams, Jerri Williams Lawrence
Calliope Press (2005)
ISBN 9780964924147
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (1/08)
Mardo Williams, a career journalist, and award-winning author of “One Last Dance,” is a highly effective communicator. His writing demonstrates a clear understanding of the reality of growing older. Williams connects with an audience of intergenerational readers as he gives them an insight into the aging process through a backward glance into the past, a glimpse into the future, and the challenge of the present. Williams delivers a clear message of the importance of family stability. This adds an important additional dimension, beyond the delightful entertainment value, to the book.
Eighty-nine-year-old Morgan was considering moving into Whispering Pines Retirement Center and Nursing Home when he literally bumped into seventy-nine-year-old Dixie, a member of the recreation staff at the center. The elements of romance, mystery, and suspense, all add to the message of hope threaded throughout the story of Morgan and Dixie as they enter a relationship based on economic needs in their later years.
Dixie kept secrets from Morgan regarding her medical background and indebtedness, while checking into rumors of scandal in business and family skeletons from Morgan’s past life in Chicago. These two strong-willed people are set in their ways; Dixie and Morgan begin to experience change and growth as they discover a new appreciation for each other as their relationship deepens.
Unresolved emotional issues, financial insecurity, and the fear of the unknown plague Dixie as she struggles to find balance in her work, her faith, and loyalty to her friends. The complications of romance at this stage in life, medical expenses, house maintenance, and the loss of independence, all play a part in the dilemmas faced by Morgan and Dixie.
There is an unexpected plot twist when Tony, Morgan’s grandson, is introduced into the story. He comes in with a flurry of vengeance, destruction, mistrust, restitution and rehabilitation.
I enjoyed Williams’ use of humor and his descriptive language in developing his characters. These characters take on a life of their own as they convey the emotions of criticism, anger, frustration, love, and empathy for each other.
I highly recommend this book for every senior citizen, and for their children. Williams’ writing is strong and reveals a deep understanding of the challenge of growing old in America. Inspirational and entertaining, “One Last Dance” offers the promise and hope of finding companionship, love, and meaning and any age and the challenge of living out your dreams.
|
