The Flower of Grass by James E. Robinson

John Allen is a man on the run. He is running from a painful past. But when his abusive, alcoholic father dies, he returns home after sixteen years to confront his pain and the woman whose heart he broke all those years ago. John has become a successful writer and has also had to battle his own alcoholism. When he returns home he finds that his younger brother is suffering from his own addictions and Jessie, the woman he still loves, is married. Time has taken its toll on John and time is making it difficult for John to repair his broken relationships.

The Flower of Grass by James E. Robinson is a wonderful prodigal son story. I love stories like that. Most readers can relate to a character who has been lost in the world, then finds his or her way home, I know I certainly can. This book was somewhat difficult to take, simply because it was depressing at times. The fact that the book was depressing only makes it more realistic and believable. The characters were real and I was able to relate to what they were going through. Despite the difficult situations, the writing was poetic and uplifting. James E. Robinson has a talent that is hard to put into words. His writing is soothing and acted as a balm on my soul as I read this book. I was a little concerned about how the book was going to end. Without giving anything away, I was quite pleased with the end. I would not change any part of it. If James E. Robinson keeps writing this way, I will look forward to reading more from him.