The Guest Book

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This novel explores the enduring impact of past mistakes and betrayals across generations, delving into the lives of a privileged American family and, by extension, a privileged America. Spanning three generations, it begins in 1935 with Kitty and Ogden Milton, who seem to have it all—perfect children and a love that others envy. However, a tragedy leads Ogden to purchase an island in Maine in an attempt to revive Kitty's spirit. This island becomes central to the family's identity, marked by Kitty's haunting refusal that shapes her life. In 1959, Len Levy, a young Jewish man, joins Ogden's bank, earning admiration from Ogden and one daughter but facing prejudice from others. His best friend, Reg Pauling, navigates life as the only black man in various spaces, including the Miltons' island. As the twenty-first century dawns, the family faces financial struggles that threaten their legacy. When Kitty's granddaughter learns they may have to sell the island and uncovers troubling truths about her grandfather's past, she begins to grasp the long-hidden silences within her family. This ambitious narrative intricately weaves the American past with its present, addressing the systemic racism and power dynamics that have persisted for generations.