Meet the Newmans. Doesn’t that just sound like a 1960’s TV show? Well it turns out, in Jennifer Niven’s book of the same name, it is. Within these pages they are a real family who also portray a family on TV, and before that, on radio. Dell Newman is the head of this family along with this wife Dinah and their two sons who are no longer children. The story is told from Dinah’s point of view as a woman who begins to look at where her life is and not liking what she sees. The reality is, no one in the family is happy with where their lives are, but this is the early 60’s and many things were kept private - especially for a family whose income is built on a set of perfectly crafted public lies. When Dell suddenly has an accident (but the public can’t know!), Dinah begins to stand up to lead them through this change, allow the boys to begin living their own lives, and unspool all the secrets that need to be told for everyone to be happier going into the future. The story ultimately shows the power of being yourself, not allowing others to keep you in the shadows, and loving each other with all your faults. You can find this book and others celebrating Moms, and all who take care of the people in their lives at Words of Windsor Books and Gifts. They are your local, independent bookstore and they’re open Monday through Saturday 10am-6pm.
Article by Sam Webb
Originally published in Windsor City Lifestyle