Mercury A Novel By Amy Jo Burns
In the river valley town of Mercury, Pennsylvania, 1990 heralds the arrival of Marley West, a solitary teenager yearning for belonging. Her gaze fixates on three towering silhouettes atop a rooftop—the Joseph brothers—who swiftly become her world. Marley transcends roles, evolving from wife to one brother, harboring unrequited feelings for another, and assuming the mantle of mother to them all.
As their mother fades and their father's pride threatens their roofing business, Marley emerges as their guiding light. She navigates the tempest of familial strife, offering solace and direction to the turbulent Joseph brothers. Yet, a haunting revelation in the church attic unearths buried pain, jeopardizing the family's cohesion.
With Marley's steadfast presence, the Joseph brothers confront their shared past and uncertain future. Will they cling to familiarity despite its flaws, or unite to forge a new legacy?
"Mercury" delves into the intricacies of family dynamics, loyalty, and resilience against the backdrop of a declining town. Marley's unwavering devotion illuminates their journey as they grapple with love, loss, and the quest for belonging. Together, they must navigate the precarious balance between preserving their roots and embracing the possibility of a brighter tomorrow.