Book Sundae: Impossible by Nancy Werlin

Why should you read Impossible by Nancy Werlin?

Before I answer this question, please scroll down and watch the final video of Celtic Women singing "Scarborough Fair." I read this YA novel, because I loved the song.

If that is not enough for you read the synopsis: Lucy Scarborough becomes victim to an inherited family curse that runs down the maternal line; the curse comes from an evil elfin knight. The Scarborough women become impregnated (Lucy is raped), and then must complete three seemingly impossible tasks.

Make a magical shirt without any seam or needlework
Find an acre of land between the salt water and the sea strand
She must plow the land with just a goat's horn and sow it all over with one grain of corn

If you did not notice, the curse comes from the lyrics of "Scarborough Fair."

With the help of her foster parents and very good friend (to become something more???), Zach Lucy faces the challenge.

How does this novel fit this book series?

While this the topic of teenage pregnancy can be slippery at times, this book tackles teenage pregnancy as the product of rape in a prose so touchingly and ingeniously (song influence) written that these topics are easy to discuss.

Many teenage mothers may feel trapped by their situation or new life plan. Lucy Scarborough's story of struggle and overcoming impossible physical and mental challenges in the name of the curse could help readers understand the fear and trapped feeling of teenage pregnancy.

This text also works with a rape scene, and the feelings of not being comfortable talking about it, but when Lucy finally does speak to Zach and her family about her situation and history, she feels better and not as in control of the Elfin Knight's trap.

Memorable Quotes:

"I look in the mirror now and see my mother and I am so afraid you will end like us: doomed, cursed... all sorts of melodramatic, ridiculous, but true things." (p. 5)
"Lucy discovered she was pacing. Visiting the test device to look at it. Then up and down the room again. She would wait until seven o'clock, she though. Then, if Soledad was not already awake, she would wake her. Then she realized that she could not wait. That she could not be alone between now and seven. That, more than anything in the world, right now, she needed her mother." (p. 122)
"Zach had told his parents the full story, but they had not believed it. There had been strong words about duplicity and taking advantage and, of course, insanity. Nonetheless, on this wedding day, the Greenfields had chosen to be kind and to say welcoming and polite things. Above all they were here." (p. 265)

Cherry on Top:
Lucy Scarborough is a masterful heroine. (Side note: Within the first few pages, you find out that she keeps The Chronicles of Narnia and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.) Lucy must face a rape, teenage pregnancy, and a curse that could impact her and her unborn child, as well as future generations.

Mothers, adoptive parents, foster parents, and daughters alike will cherish this book for the strength imposed upon feminine family bonds.

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