Mrs. Shumak’s Boarding House
by: Marty Kam with Nick Reiff
Published by: MKO Press
Buy From Amazon.com
Reviewed by Debra Kiefat
The House on the Bend overlooks the lazy Pawnee River. For 150 years the Shumak family has owned this historic home, whose possession of the palatial grounds have been shrouded in mystery. Why even Mrs. Mary Shumak, widowed wife of the last descendant, doesn’t know how this strange legacy began.
After her husband died, Mary turned the home into a boarding house for people on disability or collecting Social Security–people who would have never met, if not for her. Alan Berman, documents each episode of weekly TV show on a yellow pad; tea-serving Sally Noonan, a retired southern belle; Guiseppe Manicotti, an Italian tailor from Philadelphia; Ned and Vera Johnson, an old black couple who bicker constantly; and Claude; who spends his days sweeping the stairs and yells “THAT’S A PICKLE!”
Son Billy hates school and the upcoming 10th grade; 11-year-old daughter, Sarah looks identical to her mom; and finally Mary’s brother Bert Wodeman, who in trying to fix the problems he created, ends up causing more chaos.
This prized piece of real estate has come to the attention of Victor Masters, a manipulative land developer, who wants to build a casino there. He relishes in getting what he wants, regardless of the methods used. His brother Collin, is as smooth as any snake can be, ensures Victor’s conquests are achieved. Both have people in Washington and in local government in their pocket. Mrs. Shumak has stated she will not sell her children’s inheritance.
Victor sends county to inspect the house. They conclude she must raise $50,000 to keep her home, or lose it in a fire sale.
What unfolds is what makes Mrs. Shumak’s Boarding House so enjoyable. The authors have created flawed and lovable characters. Many times I had to put the book down because I was laughing so hard.
The good news is that the authors are writing a sequel that hopefully will answer, how indeed did the Shumak family come into this home and what results in the war between the Master’s boys and Mary Shumak.
Armchair Interviews says: This David and Goliath story will warm your heart.
From our armchair to yours...
