Guest Review: THE STRENGTH OF A SPARROW by Tim Anders

The Strength of a Sparrow

by Tim Anders

ISBN-10: 1885624638

ISBN-13: 978-1885624635

Paperback, 326 pages

Alpine Publishing

February 25, 2009

Reviewed by Cynthia Murphy

When I see the words’ “based on a true story” on the cover of a book I’m somewhat skeptical. Why not take a true non-fiction approach? Tim “Dr. Hope” Anders’ The Strength of a Sparrow is based on a true story, but in this case, writing the story as a novel really works. I was pleasantly surprised. The book tells the story of the author’s parents. However, Anders removes himself from the story, so it really does feel like a novel.

The story begins with a couple on a first date. In many ways, it looks like a perfectly normal occurrence. They are just two New Yorkers dining in an Italian restaurant. The year is 1946, and the couple appears to be falling in love. As they go their separate ways, major differences start to appear between the couple. The man, Hughie Hewitt, is actually a priest. He also has a serious drinking problem. He returns to the rectory to drink and pray after the date ends. In contrast, Bouvette “Boo” Sherwood returns to her glamorous uptown apartment. She is a successful Broadway actress and producer.

The first date is an indicator of things to come. Boo and Hughie fall in love. They remain a couple even after Hughie reveals that he is a priest. Ironically, being with Boo seems to make Hughie a better priest. He stops drinking and brings much more passion to his work. Everyone notices that he is different man, but only a few people know the truth. They begin living together as husband and wife. They even take the surname “Anders”. The change in Hughie piques the curiosity of Monsignor Smith. Their relationship has never been friendly, and Monsignor Smith even hires a private investigator to follow Hughie. Eventually he learns the truth about where Hughie goes when he is not working.

In the meantime, Hughie and Boo have two children and a very happy secret life. Boo gives up her career and settles into motherhood. Their happy life comes to an abrupt end when Hughie has a heart attack. Monsignor Smith sees this as an opportunity break up the couple once and for all. He makes separate deals with Boo and Hughie. They accept his offers and move on with their separate lives.

After the breakup, Boo’s strength becomes even more apparent. She begins working multiple jobs to support her family. When her children are taken away because of her exhaustion, Boo fights to regain custody. I won’t ruin the ending, but I will point out that Boo’s strength is the driving force for the family. The character of Boo is so well-written that it is easy to forget that she is a real person.

The story takes a dark turn with Hughie’s heart attack, but there is a prevailing sense of hope throughout the book. The reader truly believes that everything will work out. It is also amazing to see how Hughie and Boo kept their life together a secret from so many people.

The Strength of a Sparrow has good writing and a fascinating story. It could have easily been a sappy romance or bitter attack on the Catholic Church. Fortunately, it never becomes either of these things. It actually offers a tale of hope and strength.