Waving Backwards - Paperback

Waving Backwards: A Southern Coming-of-Age Mystery

Imagine not knowing who you are, until you find yourself in a statue 800 miles from home. Join intensely passionate and fiercely independent New York college student Lara Bonavito on an unforgettable journey of self-discovery in sigh-worthy Savannah, Georgia.

A Story of Identity and Family Secrets

Adopted into an abusive and impoverished home, Lara's quest to find her roots lands her in the Southern jewel's historic district. A vivid cast of characters help her unravel clues found in a cryptic letter hidden in the family bible for two decades. "The baby's roots are with the Southern lady who waves forever."

Characters and Setting

With the help of mischievously handsome trolley tour guide Robert Taylor, Kipling-quoting florist Abel Bloom, and comically outspoken Louisiana beauty Susan Fletcher, Lara uncovers family secrets wrapped in the mystique of Savannah's Waving Girl statue. The historic Savannah setting provides an atmospheric backdrop for this emotionally charged narrative.

Themes and Appeal

This literary fiction novel explores themes of adoption, identity, maternal love, and the healing power of family bonds. The story combines elements of mystery with character-driven storytelling, making it ideal for readers who appreciate Southern literature with strong female protagonists. The coming-of-age quest reveals how understanding our past shapes who we become.

About the Book

Published by Southern Yellow Pine Publishing LLC in May 2015, this paperback edition features V.L. Brunskill's compelling narrative style. The novel balances mystery elements with emotional depth, creating a reading experience that resonates with fans of women's fiction and Southern storytelling traditions. The Waving Girl statue serves as both a literal landmark and symbolic anchor for Lara's journey of self-discovery.