Uncle Jed by Frank C. Senia

A sharply penned drama of growing up, guilt, and the frightening legacy of one’s ancestry, Uncle Jed by Frank C. Senia is an emotionally charged look into the secrets we bury, and the sacrifices required to unearth them. Excited by the prospect of spending a summer away from the city and her unapproachable parents, young Tomi has no idea what adventures, revelations, and wisdom await with her eccentric Uncle Jed. Their regular reminiscing over old memories leads to dark family tragedies being revealed, shedding light on painful truths in Tomi’s own life, and connecting the pair in ways neither could have expected. Though the prose is rather terse, declarative, and unembellished, the unassuming power of Senia’s storytelling, and the core truths learned, make this an evocative and memorable read.