Review: "The Girls from Corona del Mar" by Rufi Thorpe

A very thought provoking first novel from Rufi Thorpe. The story follows two girls from young children to adults in their 30’s. It is told by Mia and she details her and her childhood friend, Lorrie Ann’s trials and tribulations. In Mia’s eyes, Lorrie Ann has always been a saint but her life is obscured by a dark cloud that she seems to live under. She tries to support Lorrie Ann during her life as it appears to spiral out of control only to realize that maybe she has not been seeing things as clearly as she once believed.

The author has a very coherent writing style. She injects humor when needed to lighten the mood of this novel that has its dark moments. I loved the way in which the characters were developed and the interaction between them. It was interesting to observe how Mia slowly realizes the truth about her and Lorrie Ann’s life.

This is an excellent read. It is fast moving with varying situations and circumstances that entice you to keep reading. It also makes you ponder if your life and others’ lives may not be as they seem.