MERCY HOUSE

Alena Dillon's debut novel reveals the inequities and injustices wrought by the misuse of power. Stellar performances by an amazing cast peel away layers of pain, abuse, rage, and distrust. Three Catholic nuns in Brooklyn's Bed-Stuy neighborhood run a shelter for women brutalized by the men in their lives. Bishop Hawkins, who believes their work offends Catholic doctrine, is determined to close the house. He butts heads with Sister Evelyn, beautifully portrayed by Dawn Harvey. With her own dark secrets, Evelyn protects the women in her charge as fiercely as a mother tiger. We hear horrific tales from Mei-Li (Catherine Ho), Lucia (Scarlette Hayes), Desirée (Eboni Flowers), Katrina (Caitlin Kelly) and Esther (Bahni Turpin), and each woman's story is delivered with heartbreaking honesty. Absolutely riveting. S.J.H. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2020]