One Two Three

 Laurie Frankel is the author of One Two Three: A Novel. This story is set in the small town of Bourne. Seventeen years earlier the town was poisoned by a chemical company that allowed toxic chemicals into the river. The town had been complaining for years but the company denied there were any problems. This company paid the testing laboratory to say everything was fine. Then the water turned an unnatural green. That is when the company shut down. Nora was pregnant when the water turned green. Her husband was one of the many people who died of cancer probably from the water. Nora and other towns people sought justice. A suit was filed against the company. Nora gave birth to three daughters. Mab, the eldest, Monday the middle and Mirabelle the youngest. Sometimes when talking to each other they call each other one, two or three. This is helpful because Mirabelle has cerebral palsy. She is unable to walk or speak so if she taps once that means she wants something from Mab. Since many people in the town were affected by the toxic water, many of them are in wheelchairs. All the sidewalks have ramps, the businesses are accessible and have electric door openers. Now the girls are 17 years old and in high school. I thought this was a great story because of the love between the sisters and the strong love Nora has for her children. The girls have established great relationships with the people in the town. Now the chemical company wants to come back and resume business. Nora is dead set against that. The girls support their mother. Another reason I liked the story is that it has a very satisfying ending.