In Regalia

In contemporary New England, forty-year old Helene Roy Bradford has worked hard to leave her troubled family history behind - her parents' early deaths, a brother adrift, and an estranged younger sister in chronic addiction. Into her comfortable, well-ordered life comes a summons to assist her now deceased sister's young twins by her Native American husband, serving time for charges related to his activism. But what kind of help? Conflict arises when the resources that Helene can offer don't match the needs and values of the Native community, leading to crisis and change while discovering what is best for the children and for herself. A story in three voices: Helene's narrative; the journal pages of sister Renee; and blog posts on contemporary Indian life from brother-in-law Izzy; each is bound by family ties and the need to understand and to heal. Erin L. McCormack has taught English and writing workshops for college level and adult students. She lives with her husband and two sons west of Boston, where she enjoys yoga, genealogy, nature, theater, and singing at the drum. Other books: Spanish Soap Operas (Novelas) and Blue Eyes in Black Wonderland