The Distance of Mercy

A story of human connection across the ethnic aisle The Distance of Mercy centers on Nicolette who is haunted by her mothers death in postwar Vienna and betrays her father by accepting money from her grandmother a former Nazi supporter to study the violin in Chicago in the late 60s. Nicolette is hired to work with Tillie an African-American widow who lost her husband in the war. Through many barriers an unexpected friendship develops. While Nicolettes length of stay in America is brief the impact of her arrival and the decision she must make before returning to Vienna are life-altering for both women.Told in parallel narratives and against the backdrop of historical events the story explores the depths of love loss and buried grief and uncovers the lingering and terrible effects of war and racial injustice.