Vicky Kaseorg

When God Closes a Door... Vicky Kaseorg

In this novel based on truth, a stray dog is befriended by a shy, lonely girl, Basha. Set in the 1940s, the story of Basha and her strict and quirky Jewish mother, Rose, reveals ugly truths about antisemitism, the devotion to cultural heritage vs. changing attitudes towards faith and traditions, and the tension of protective love vs. freedom to the beloved. Rose adamantly refuses to allow Basha to keep the stray dog Skippy since "dogs have dirt and germs and belong outside." Basha, a timid, lonely, and dutiful girl, shines with loyalty AND defiance finding a solution to house her new-found friend. Throughout the story, she straddles the line of obedience and self-preservation. Often funny, often poignant, and in the end victorious, Basha learns how to overcome fear and loneliness. The surprise ending leads full circle to understanding, if not embracing, her mother's flawed attempts to overcome her own fear and struggles in a dangerous world.