Plot summary, “The Girl Who Fell into the Sky” by Kate Wilhelm in 6 Minutes - Book Review
0"The Girl Who Fell into the Sky" is a novella by Kate Wilhelm, published in 1986. The story centers around John MacLaren, a middle-aged lawyer who embarks on a journey that leads him to uncover family secrets, confront the past, and find unexpected love.
John's elderly father, David, asks him to retrieve an old player piano that belonged to a friend named Louis Castleman. Louis recently passed away, and David is concerned that Louis's nephew, Ross Cleveland, might claim the piano before they can retrieve it. As John sets out to fulfill his father's request, he finds himself drawn into a mysterious and unsettling series of events.
While at Louis's old home, John encounters Lorna Shields, a young woman conducting research on religious experiences of the elderly. Lorna is visiting as part of her research project, and her presence adds a layer of intrigue to the story. As John and Lorna spend time together, they discover a shared attraction and a mutual interest in the history of the place.
Through conversations and discoveries, John learns about a secretive and controversial commune that once existed on the land. He uncovers the tragic events that took place there, including a fire that led to the death of several individuals. As John delves deeper into the past, he begins to unravel the connections between Louis, the commune, and his own family's history.
As the story progresses, both John and Lorna are haunted by strange visions and experiences related to the past. The novella blurs the lines between reality and the supernatural, leading to a climactic moment where Lorna experiences a surreal and transformative event.
In the end, John and Lorna come to terms with the revelations they've uncovered and the impact it has on their lives. The novella touches on themes of memory, personal discovery, the power of the past, and the potential for unexpected connections.
"The Girl Who Fell into the Sky" is an intriguing and atmospheric tale that combines elements of suspense, mystery, and the supernatural. It explores the complexities of human emotions and relationships against a backdrop of history and the unexplained.