Tag: Leigh Rastivo

Those who were raised Catholic and endured catechism as a child may recognize the setting. A series of primary graders are waiting, “in a long line of wee sinners—the queue looped twice round the nave and aisles of our church.” However, readers who do not have similar memories to draw upon can still empathize with the inter- and intra-personal struggles presented here vis-à-vis our protagonist, eight year old Mary Faith Dennison. In this fictional tale, Leigh Rastivo writes the story through Mary’s eyes, giving the audience the full run-down of her thoughts, worries, and obsessions. What she reveals is the breakdown of communication between adults and children—especially in areas that matter most. Sound familiar? Disconnect between fellow humans is indeed a universal theme. And a poignant one at that.