The Annunciation of Francesca Dunn: A Novel (Paperback)

The Annunciation of Francesca Dunn: A Novel By Janis Hallowell Cover Image

The Annunciation of Francesca Dunn: A Novel (Paperback)

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A remarkable debut novel that 'dares us to imagine mystery in our lives, in our time㿠book that sends us away refreshed, with the potential to see the sacramental in the everyday' – Boston Globe

Told from the viewpoints of four unforgettable characters, The Annunciation of Francesca Dunn is the story of an ordinary girl who is believed to be a modern–day Holy Virgin. At the heart of the story is Francesca: a shy and moody teenager hungry for her absent father's love, she is frightened and intoxicated by her sudden elevation to the rank of divine. Chester is a visionary homeless man who first 'discovers' Francesca and makes himself her protector. Anne is Francesca's no–nonsense mother, whose religion is Darwin and biology. Sid is Francesca's troubled friend, who keeps a few secrets of her own.

Tender and tragic, their intersecting stories probe the need to believe, and the relationship between divinity and madness. Beautifully crafted, here is a compelling first novel that heralds the arrival of a powerful new talent.

Janis Hallowell, author of The Annunciation of Francesca Dunn, is a MacDowell Fellow, and her short fiction has been published in Ploughshares. She lives in Colorado with her husband and daughter.


Product Details ISBN: 9780060559205
ISBN-10: 0060559209
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Publication Date: March 1st, 2005
Pages: 336
Language: English
Series: P.S.

“Janis Hallowell writes with lucid grace...” — Donna Gershten, author of Kissing the Virgin's Mouth

“Skillfull ... delightful ...charming .... the characters are quirky, troubled, and appealing, and we’d be willing to follow them just about anywhere.” — Boulder Daily Camera

“Provocative and suspenseful.” — People–4 stars, Critic's Choice

“An intriguing and memorable look at what might happen if a modern-day miracle did occur.” — Booklist

“THE ANNUNCIATION OF FRANCESCA DUNN asks poignant emotional questions, striving to define reality and redemption in a troubled world.” — Rocky Mountain News

“Beautifully written and brimming with strong, appealingly eccentric characters...raises intriguing questions about the nature of contemporary faith and religion.” — BookPage