River Bend, New Jersey, 1937 ~ 1945

The country is going through hard times as the Great Depression lingers on. Helen Schneider's father is lucky to still have a job, and though his hours are reduced, her mother always manages to put food on the table, and Helen's grandmother, Nanny, brings in a little with her séances. Helen turns thirteen in July and "becomes a woman." With her maturing body comes an increase in her gifts -- she begins to have visions that come true. Helen doesn't want to be different; she just wants to be normal. Nanny realizes that Helen's talents are stronger than her own and begins to train her to call up spirits at the séances.

The Schneiders' neighbors, the Mackeys, have not been so lucky. When the father of four lost his job, he left so that his family would qualify for government assistance. He became one of the many men who ride the rails, eking out an existence where he can.

Helen and Billy Mackey have always been friends, but as they grow, their relationship begins to change. And so do the times. As World War II approaches, the economy booms. Then war begins, and Helen allows her suppressed talent to flourish. She receives messages from the gallant young men who leave this world behind.

THE MEDIUM is a coming of age tale of both a sensitive young woman and the twentieth century. No matter what beliefs one holds about an afterlife, Helen's story and America's -- along with the repercussions against German-Americans -- are realistically done and sure to fascinate.

Helen is an engaging character, a total innocent as the book begins, who comes to see her gift as a responsibility. Her best friend Rosie exemplifies the women of the time who joined the war effort and changed women's expectations forever. The two Mackey brothers, Billy and Lloyd, are also important in Helen's life and in portraying young men of the era.

THE MEDIUM is a highly unusual tale set during important moments in our history; it's also a heartwarming love story that conveys a hopeful message for all. If that last sounds a bit stuffy, I assure you it's not. Try it and see.

Jane Bowers