How the Body Prays: A Novel

"Lay Aside Fear" has been the Odom ruling motto for generations. In this exquisitely written novel, Peter Weltner explores how various members of the family have lived up to-- or fallen short of-- this fierce command.
The indomitable grandmother who cannot forgive her son for surviving World War II, her son who wants to do "nothing" with his life, his daughters who refuse to cry, their brother who resists the Vietnam draft-- all are put to the test, and the stakes are high. Who will have the courage to fight, the courage to risk, the courage to die? And most importantly, who will have the courage to love, whatever love asks of them? For when pride is finally unmasked, it is only through the redemption of love that there is any chance for the family's survival.
In "How the Body Prays," Weltner weaves his luminous tale from generation to generation, circling back constantly while the narrative gains the momentum of music. A love story of passion and grace, a family saga of unusual complexity, "How the Body Prays" is a triumphant novel.
PETER WELTNER is the author of several books of fiction, including "The Risk of His Music" and "In a Time of Combat for the Angel," He has received two O. Henry Awards and his work was featured in "Best American Gay Fiction Volume 3," Weltner grew up in North Carolina; he now teaches at San Francisco State University.