Augustina Fletcher left her plans for graduate school behind when a tragic car accident resulted in her father becoming both a paraplegic and a widower.  The uphill work of caring for her injured father coupled with the sudden responsibility for her younger sister forced this woman into a role of dependability out of necessity.  Her success in upholding the family was mixed as clashes with the rebellious teen reached breaking point and led to Saphi running away. 

Life, however, continued on in the small town of Stoic, Missouri and she lived it making the expected choices and taking on what would not further rock her world. 

Six years later, the prodigal returns as suddenly as she had left.  Here is the catalyst that makes Gusti question all that she held true about her family, her expectations, and herself. 

Ms Brichoux gives us a beautifully written portrayal of a woman in her late twenties who has done what she considered to be the right thing and ends up wondering if she could have been terribly wrong.  It is often a subtle, elegant and witty account. 

The re-examination of all of Gusti’s choices including her engagement to Colton is handled in an achingly realistic way.  It is the small details building slowly that lends towards a wonderful authenticity.  Childhood scenes are mixed into current times and give a frame as to how she views various experiences as an adult.   

The characters are brought fully to life before us with their mix of strengths and weaknesses, as well as appeal and unpleasantness.  Gusti, Saphi, and their father are people that you might find just next door.  The sibling rivalry and loyalty is something that any set of sisters would recognize. 

FALLING INTO THE WORLD is one of those rare stories that quietly works itself into the heart so that when you are through reading you still carry something of it inside yourself.

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