Layla

A young woman embarks on a life-changing cross-country trip to face a family secret rooted in Americas most turbulent decade. Layla James a recent graduate and budding photographer never knew anything about her father except that he named her for the iconic song by Eric Clapton. Her mother--steeped in a political activism that Layla rejects--kept their past shrouded in secrecy and when she dies of cancer she leaves only an enigmatic letter--the first in a series that will lead Layla through a cross-country network of 60s radicals and closer to the bombshell at the heart of her parents past. As Layla makes her way from the East Coast to a commune in the California desert she discovers more about friendship love forgiveness and the personal repercussions of political activism than she could ever have imagined. A stirring and panoramic story viewed through the lens of the next generation this exceptional debut novel brings the gestalt of the 60s into focus and sheds new light on the eras legacy in the new millennium.From the Back CoverCéline Keatings deftly plotted novel takes readers on a gripping journey along the underground railroad of post-60s radicalism. . . . Every adult has to reinterpret the story of her childhood. Keating beautifully demonstrates the courage it takes for each of us to face that bittersweet truth. --LARRY DARK Director of The Story Prize A beautiful book--at once nostalgic and fresh--that will go straight to your heart and lodge there. --ALETHEA BLACK author of I Knew Youd Be Lovely [An] emotional page-turner. Laylas coming to terms with her parents dangerous activism is heart wrenching due to Keatings delightfully drawn characters. This novel also serves as a compelling lesson in our values and how drastically theyve changed. It serves as a better history than any essay or screed. --SUSAN BRAUDY author of Family Circle As Layla James drives cross-country following the cryptic directions of her late mother she meets a wide and sharply drawn group of veteran radicals who all play a part in the search for her mysterious father. . . . Keating keeps the pace fast and the suspense high . . . Youll want to ride with her every mile of the way! --ROBERT HERSHON editor of Hanging Loose Press A triumph of political literature . . . as informative as it is impossible to put down. --MARNIE MUELLER author of My Mothers Island Evoked in beautiful prose and telling details . . . [Layla] brings to life the complexity of family dynamics with all its conflicts dangers and rewards. --NAHID RACHLIN author of Persian Girls: A Memoir