Sunday, June 22, 2008

Pg. 69: Christina Meldrum's "Madapple"

The current feature at the Page 69 Test: Christina Meldrum's Madapple.

About the book, from the publisher:
THE SECRETS OF the past meet the shocks of the present.

Aslaug is an unusual young woman. Her mother has brought her up in near isolation, teaching her about plants and nature and language—but not about life. Especially not how she came to have her own life, and who her father might be.

When Aslaug’s mother dies unexpectedly, everything changes. For Aslaug is a suspect in her mother’s death. And the more her story unravels, the more questions unfold. About the nature of Aslaug’s birth. About what she should do next.

About whether divine miracles have truly happened. And whether, when all other explanations are impossible, they might still happen this very day.

Addictive, thought-provoking, and shocking, Madapple is a page-turning exploration of human nature and divine intervention—and of the darkest corners of the human soul.
Among the early praise for Madapple:
"In debut novelist Christina Meldrum's mesmerizing literary mystery MADAPPLE, the worlds of science and faith collide."
Vanity Fair

"Theology is on trial in this extraordinary first novel...”
Publishers Weekly, starred review

“With this spellbinding debut, Meldrum marks herself as an author to watch.”
Kirkus, starred review

“There is much to ponder in this enthralling achievement from a debut author.”
Booklist, starred review
Read an excerpt from Madapple, and learn more about the book and author at Christina Meldrum's website.

Christina Meldrum received her Bachelor of Arts in religious studies and political science from the University of Michigan. After working in grassroots development in Africa, she earned her law degree from Harvard Law School. She has worked for the International Commission of Jurists in Geneva, Switzerland, and as a litigator at the law firm of Shearman & Sterling.

Madapple is her first novel.

The Page 69 Test: Madapple.

--Marshal Zeringue