The Romantic (Paperback)

From the Publisher: The author of The White Bone offers readers a peek into the fictional life of Louise Kirk, a woman whose near lifelong obsession with the boy from across the street--now a man who is incapable of loving her as much as she loves him--is destroying her life. Reader's Guide available. Reprint. When she is nine-years-old, Louise Kirk’s mother disappears, leaving a note that reads only--and incorrectly--"Louise knows how to work the washing machine." It is not long before a strange couple and their adopted son, Abel, move in across the street. Louise quickly grows close with the exotic Mrs. Richter, but saves her stronger, more lasting affections for Mrs. Richter’s intelligent son. From this childhood friendship evolves a love that will bind Louise and Abel forever, and though Abel moves away and Louise matures into adulthood, her attachment grows dangerously, fiercely fixed.