The Other Kind of Lion

 

The Other Kind of Lion by Catherine Ryan Hyde
11/3/26; 286 pages
Lake Union Publishing 

The Other Kind of Lion by Catherine Ryan Hyde is a very highly recommended, tenderhearted, domestic drama where an act of kindness marks the beginning of a life-long relationship.

In the Autumn of 1970 in rural California, Shirley Bennett, a widow after her husband Hal died 15 years ago in the Vietnam War, lives with her two sons, Reid and Curtis. One morning Shirley hears Hal's horse, Phoenix, nicker at an unkempt boy who is walking by the fence. The only person Phoenix ever nickered at was Hal, so she wants to know who is this boy. She asks 16 year-old Curtis to offer him a ride to school and find out. This marks the start of Ludlow "Cash" Pierce, 11 years-old and in 6th grade becoming essentially a part of her family. 

Cash's mother is in jail, his father disappeared, and he is being cared for by his 18 year-old brother, Jace, who works at a gas station. Curtis comes up with his nickname and protects him from a bully. He is there for dinner every night after school. Shirley makes sure he has lunch money. She even made him a couple shirts. Even Edsel, their older dog likes Cash. He is there when Reid goes off to war and never comes home, comforting Shirley the best he can. Then one day Cash and his brother disappear, they moved away so his brother could find a better job.

Life goes on for Shirley. They write letters to Cash until one day they lose touch. Curtis moves to Canada. Shirley has a fall out with her neighbors. She eventually sells the house and moves, but always hopes Cash will reach out again. And He does, in totally unexpected circumstances. Then it becomes his chance to return her kindness and care for Shirley as well as reconnecting with Curtis. 

This was exactly the novel I needed. Yeah, I cried during several parts. It is well written and the pace is even throughout, but the pages flew by because of the excellent writing, the plot, and the characters. This is the story of a life, an ordinary, realistic person, and a chosen family. It also embodies how actions always have consequences, but this time the actions are giving and caring, are for the good, and the consequences are the same. Following the narrative are discussion questions that could be very beneficial for a book club discussion.

Shirley has faced many unexpected losses in her life, but she still reached out and showed love and kindness while caring for a neglected boy who needed the support. He always remembered the kindness of "Mrs. Shirley" and returns with the same years later. (The title is based on the fable of Androcles and the lion.) The novel spans 1970 to 2026, a lifetime, but moves very quickly. Shirley is regular, normal person who is just doing her best as she ages. She's not wealthy. She has experienced great losses. She doesn't become an opinionated curmudgeon that you are supposed to love because she's grumpy.

The Other Kind of Lion is an excellent choice for those looking for an uplifting domestic drama about a life well lived. Thanks to Lake Union Publishing for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.