Reviewed: No Rainbow
By Judson Hamilton 
Published by Greying Ghost

Wendy&

Wanda&

Martin&

Maud&

Robert&

Violet&

Miss de Mo

Truth is timeless, and that’s exactly what this story proves certain. Judson Hamilton’s No Rainbow begins with an author-created, multicolor arc: six children, accompanied by a nanny, spend the day the way many children spend it: out in nature. Distinct, funny, and curious, each character brings a different energy to the text. And furthermore, they create an interesting, beautiful rainbow for readers to enjoy as they make their way through this carefully woven book.

After playing near a river, the group is forced to go indoors because of inclement weather.

Inside the home, which is dripping with opulence, Miss de Mo, the children’s caretaker, decides to read the children a story, an activity that readers will accept as a common activity in which children like to partake.

However, the reading of this story is more complex. Miss de Mo tells it because she knows it will incite a specific reaction from the children: worry. And that’s exactly what it does. “Not everything in life is filled with music and light, and motion… there are no fairylands. No rainbows. Not everything is fair nor ends happily,” Miss de Mo replies to the children’s reactions.

But like so much in this book, there’s an even deeper reason why Miss de Mo reads this specific tale to the children. No Rainbow is a work that packs a lot into a small space, creating characters that are complex, interesting, and a narrative that entertains and makes certain the fact that there is always more than meets the eye in every situation.

Do yourself a favor and pick up this Greying Ghost title before it’s sold out. You’ll be inspired and happy that you did.

Elizabeth Schmuhl is a multidisciplinary artist and the author of Presto Agitato (Dancing Girl Press & Zoo Cake Press, 2015) and Premonitions (Wayne State University Press, forthcoming 2018). She has taught writing at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and currently works at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts. Find her online: www.elizabethschmuhl.com.