The Annunciation of Francesca Dunn

Reader reviewed by Ria

The Annunciation of Francesca Dunn begins with Chester, a homeless man, receiving a vision of a woman bringing a message that he would be of great help in aiding her with the birth of her son. Chester realizes that the girl is Francesca, a young girl who devoted Sundays to help feed homeless people. News soon spreads among the homeless that Francesca is the holy one, and soon they came to her with odd predicaments hoping that she would cure them. Miraculously, she did seem to heal them.

While her mother is away, Francesca stays with her neighbor and owner of the restaurant where she volunteers, Ronnie. Ronnies sister, Rae, makes an unexpected visit and makes herself at home. Soon, Francescas predicament is blown out of proportion. People from all over come pouring in to be blessed by the holy Francesca. The whole demonstration is aided by Rae, and Francescas best friend, Sid.

When Francescas mother, Anne, returns, she is outraged at the whole mess. Yet things dont go back to normal. Soon, Francesca is feeling the symptoms of a pregnancy. Her mother denies everything, even going as far as to enlist her father (who is living in Italy with his girlfriend) for help. Anne takes Francesca to an abortion clinic, which outrages Francescas followers. Yet, the doctor finds some interesting results, that Francesca is not pregnant. And that she is suffering from a rare disease, pseudocyesis.

When the whole situation gets unruly, Francesca and Anne take off into the woods to escape. A few weeks later they are found and are in a serious problem involving Raes son. Everyone, including Francesca, learns something that changes her whole life forever.

This book was like none other. It was so intriguing, yet believable. Not only was it about a girl with pseudocyesis, but it was a heartwarming story of love and family. And of learning and excepting yourself for the way you are. This was truly a great debut book for Janis Hallowell and I look forward to reading more of her books.