The Shortest Way Home by Juliette Fay tells the story of one family torn apart by death and loss. Sean, the 43 year old protagonist returns home to Belham, Massachusetts after 20 years away working as a nurse in the most war torn Thirld World countries in the world. He is burnt out and plans to recuperate a while before heading back out into the field.

At home he finds his younger sister, tired of holding down the fort in his abscence, his failing aunt, and his 11 year old nephew, who has problems of his own. As he reunites with family and old friends, his escape becomes more and more complicated.

Fay’s writing draws the reader in immediately, so that we find ourselves caring about what will happen to each of these characters.As in her earlier novel, Shelter Me, Fay’s gift is bringing the emotions of the characters alive, so that they become real and the reader is invested. It ended a little too abruptly for me, however it is still a wonderful novel and a really good read.