NARROW IS THE WAY

by B.D. & Jeremy Hyman Hyman ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 10, 1987

Sequel to Hyman's tell-all autobiography of life with her mother Bette Davis, My Mother's Keeper. Narrow is the Way has two themes: How will mother react to the forthcoming MMK, which B.D. was just then finishing and about which mother knew nothing. and how will B.D.'s new enthusiasm for born-again Christianity take with her immediate family: rationalist husband Jeremy and sons Ashley and Justin? What's more, will B.D. be able to convert her tart-tongued, explosive, blaspheming, superegocentric mother--get her to give up swearing, smoking, drinking and come to God? Well, the reader thinks, not bloody likely. When Bette is finally told that MMK is on its way, she is immediately put under sedation. On the phone, Bette shrieks: ""I'm a very famous woman and you had no right! Why?"" Bette doubtless is the main show here, but equally as memorable are Hyman's description of a Pennsylvia farm in the icy heart of winter, of B.D. chopping water in the horse trough, of melting bathtubs full of snow, of numberless cats burrowed into the hay in a frigid barn, and of the snowbound family starved for a passing stranger to trap into supper. One such stranger turns out to be a born-again Christian, whose wit responds eagerly to husband Jeremy's tart questions and whose advice leads B.D. into faith-healing and recovery from her various pains (but not her obesity). Soon the Hymans are deep into Pentecostalism, healing services, revivals and folks speaking in tongues. Midway through the book they move to the Bahamas for their health and reestablish their faith with a new church, which likes to keep a very tight rein on its brethren. No outward proselytizing but much family warmth--despite icicle Bette.

Pub Date: April 10, 1987

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Morrow

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1987

Categories: NONFICTION