''A Theory of Relativity'' () is a 2001 novel written by American author
Jacquelyn Mitchard. The book tells the story of a custody battle for a young girl following the sudden death of her parents.
Plot summary
When Ray and Georgia McKenna-Nye are killed in a horrific car crash, leaving their daughter Keefer Kathryn an
orphan
An orphan (from the el, ορφανός, orphanós) is a child whose parents have died.
In common usage, only a child who has lost both parents due to death is called an orphan. When referring to animals, only the mother's condition is usuall ...
, the couple's respective families both believe they are the right people to raise the girl, and consequently file for
custody. This book is essentially about the events surrounding the ensuing legal process which will decide Keefer's future.
Keefer's maternal family are the McKennas, a Catholic family of Irish descent, and of modest means, living in rural
Wisconsin
Wisconsin () is a state in the upper Midwestern United States. Wisconsin is the 25th-largest state by total area and the 20th-most populous. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake M ...
. Prior to their deaths, Ray and Georgia had lived nearby and the family are fairly close. The paternal family, meanwhile, are the Nyes, born again Christians living in Florida who, though much more financially better off than the McKennas, do not appear to be as close.
The final chapter of the book catches up with Keefer as a ten-year-old, and she narrates the events of the intervening years. She is adopted by Gordon after Delia dies. Delia's daughter, Alex, goes to live with her father, while Craig raises Hugh with Gordon's help and advice, and the two become good friends. Gordon and Alex then meet again some years later when Alex becomes a counsellor at Keefer's school. They have a relationship and the story concludes with Alex giving birth to a daughter.
References
*A Theory of Relativity by Jacquelyn Mitchard
External links
A summary of the bookJacquelyn Mitchard's official websiteA Profile of Jacquelyn Mitchard
{{DEFAULTSORT:Theory Of Relativity
2001 American novels
Novels by Jacquelyn Mitchard
Novels about orphans
Novels set in Wisconsin
HarperCollins books