Songs in Ordinary Time: A Tale of Secrets and Redemption in a Small Town

Set in the 1960s, “Songs in Ordinary Time” by Mary McGarry Morris is a gripping novel that delves into the lives of the Fermoyle family and the secrets that threaten to tear them apart. With themes of deception, redemption, and the power of resilience, this book takes readers on a journey through the complexities of human relationships and the search for meaning in an ordinary life.

A Dysfunctional Family in a Small Town

The Fermoyle family resides in the small town of Atkinson, Vermont, where they struggle to make ends meet. Lizzy, the matriarch of the family, is a single mother trying to provide for her four children while battling her own demons. Her eldest son, Norm, is a troubled teenager who turns to drugs and crime to escape the harsh realities of his life. The two younger children, Kate and Boomer, are caught in the crossfire of their dysfunctional family dynamics.

Secrets and Deception

As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that each member of the Fermoyle family is harboring their own secrets. Lizzy, haunted by her past, finds solace in the arms of a mysterious stranger named Omar Duvall. However, Omar is not who he appears to be, and his presence in their lives sets off a chain of events that will forever change the Fermoyle family.

Norm, desperate for love and acceptance, falls into a dangerous relationship with a manipulative girl named Jilly. Together, they embark on a series of criminal activities that threaten to destroy everything Lizzy has worked so hard to build. Meanwhile, Kate and Boomer navigate their own challenges, trying to make sense of the chaos that surrounds them.

Redemption and Resilience

Despite the hardships they face, the Fermoyle family demonstrates remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. Lizzy, determined to protect her children, must confront her own past and find the strength to break free from the cycle of dysfunction. Norm, too, must confront his demons and make amends for the mistakes he has made.

As the secrets unravel and the truth comes to light, the Fermoyle family is forced to confront their own flaws and find redemption in the most unexpected places. Through acts of love, forgiveness, and sacrifice, they discover the power of resilience and the possibility of a brighter future.

• The destructive power of secrets and deception
• The resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity
• The importance of love, forgiveness, and redemption

“Sometimes you just have to make the best of what you have and try to be happy with it.”

In “Songs in Ordinary Time,” Mary McGarry Morris weaves a compelling tale of a family grappling with their own demons and the secrets that threaten to tear them apart. Through her vivid storytelling and complex characters, Morris explores themes of deception, redemption, and the power of resilience. This novel serves as a poignant reminder that even in the most ordinary of times, extraordinary things can happen.