Silas Dillon of Cary County: A Novel

By: Clifford Schrage

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Synopsis: Hailed as that &“rarest of novels,&” this heartbreaking story of tragedy and triumph follows a boy&’s struggle through foster care to a chance at happiness (Vince Clemente, Professor Emeritus, Stony Brook University). Born to a chemically dependent, emotionally unstable mother who cannot care for him, young Silas Dillon is thrust into the cold and bureaucratic foster care system on Cary Island in New York Bay. Worse still, his mother selfishly refuses to give him up for full adoption, dooming Silas to a chaotic life between brief stays with her and various foster homes. With no one to trust or love, Silas grows old beyond his years, overwhelmed by loneliness, alienation, anger, and self-destructive behavior. As years go by, he grows into a bitter, resentful young man. As hopeless as his situation may seem, there is still hope for Silas to find joy in his world. But it will take every bit of strength he has to unshoulder the pain and betrayal of his past and take control of his future . . .