Into the Fire

Ginny L. Yttrup has written an important novel in the Women's Fiction genre that will and has undoubtedly touched some broken hearts of those  who've experienced the pain and betrayal from a loved one.

Written primarily in a journaling format from three points of view with quotes from John Muir's poetic writings headlining each chapter break, we read from the protagonist Jessica (Jessie), her daughter, 15 year old Haley, and Jessie's dad Ted's entries about their various interpretations of the events surrounding them. 

Jessica is a fire archaeologist whose job is to preserve the natural and cultural resources of Yosemite National Park. During the fire season she can be away from home for a considerable time and she and her husband Chet, who operates a climbing and sports/retail business, tag team the household care and management of their son Tyler who's leaving for college soon and their hormonal daughter Haley. Chet's the "fun" parent while Jessie is perceived by Haley as the mostly unreasonable one. 

Jessie's dad Ted is now elderly but was also involved in firefighting in his younger days, and he and his wife Cretia fill in for Jessie and Chet whenever needed. Jessie's mother deserted her and her dad when Jessie was an infant.

As Jessie readies herself to leave for another fire, things seem off at home with her husband, leaving her with an uneasy feeling. As she ponders their life together, his impatience and anger, and his seeming inability to take responsibility or accept fault for or during any disagreements, she takes to heart a comment made to her about always making excuses for Chet's behavior and/or actions.

Because of a startling email Jessica receives, a chain of events results in Jessica wrecking her vehicle, Haley leaving home without telling anyone where she's gone, and Ted's feelings about Chet proving Ted's suspicions about him were accurate. This is told about in their individual written entries, the pain, frustrations, and anger exuding from their words and actions. All of this is simultaneously going on and adding to the horrific conflict Ted's experienced by getting a letter from Jessie's mother.  

Pain and rage battle for supremacy in all three characters and a purging, examination, and conclusion result in decisions each one must make and come to accept. The accounts of the terror but necessity of fires, the destruction but new life that results, are all beautifully and tenderly written to illustrate the life cycle of growth, death, and life that applies to more than the physical earth. As with much of Women's Fiction, Flames is not a jubilant story, but it's a real one and sadly shared by many families.

(This is not Christian Fiction.) 

Father, please bless Ginny with joy and inspiration, continued stories that touch hearts and bring a healing hope only you can provide. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.