An Exact Replica of a Figment of My Imagination, by tElizabeth McCracken

Exact Replica... is a quick read, but not one I'm likely to forget.

McCracken begins the book, a memoir of maternity, by telling the end of the story; she is holding one baby while writing about the one she lost to stillbirth the year before. The rest of the novel explains the road that took them to the birth, what transpired the day her first child died, and how she has dealt with that loss and the resulting life turmoil.

The writing was plain and simple, just as it should have been. She told the story in an honest way, not pulling punches but not creating additional drama, either. I think her minimalist style was a huge plus, because it allowed the drama to speak for itself.

Rating: four stars out of five - compelling, honest and well-written