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From the winner of the 2016 Flannery OConnor Award for Short Fiction comes a tender and funny debut novel set over one emotionally charged weekend at an animal sanctuary in western Kansas where maternal romantic and community bonds are tested in the wake of an estranged daughters homecoming.The Bright Side Sanctuary for Animals is in trouble. Its late 2016 when ArieFrom the winner of the 2016 Flannery OConnor Award for Short Fiction comes a tender and funny debut novel set over one emotionally charged weekend at an animal sanctuary in western Kansas where maternal romantic and community bonds are tested in the wake of an estranged daughters homecoming.The Bright Side Sanctuary for Animals is in trouble. Its late 2016 when Ariel discovers that her mother Monas animal sanctuary in Western Kansas has not only been the target of anti-Semitic hate crimes—but that its also for sale due to hidden financial ruin. Ariel living a new life in progressive Lawrence and estranged from her mother for six long years knows she has to return to her childhood home—especially since her own past may have played a role in the attack on the sanctuary. Ariel expects tension maybe even fury but she doesnt anticipate that her first love a ranch hand named Gideon will still be working at the Bright Side. Back in Lawrence Ariels charming but hapless fiancé Dex grows paranoid about her sudden departure. After uncovering Monas address he sets out to confront Ariel but instead finds her grappling with the life shes abandoned. Amid the reparations with her mother its clear that Ariel is questioning the meaning of her life in Lawrence and whether she belongs with Dex or with someone else somewhere else. Acclaimed writer Pam Houston says that “Mandelbaum is wise beyond her years and twice as talented” and The Bright Side Sanctuary for Animals poignantly explores the unique love and tension between mothers and daughters and humans and animals alike. Perceptive and funny moving and eloquent and ultimately buoyant Mandelbaum offers a panoramic view of family and forgiveness and of the meaning of home. Her debut reminds us that love provides refuge and underscores our similarities as human beings no matter how alone or far apart we may feel.(less)