About Irises

The latest novel from Francisco X. Stork, Irises, tells the story of two sisters with very different ambitions and how they, their family, and their lovers find their ways together and apart.

Kate is bound for Stanford and an M.D. — if her family will let her go. Mary wants only to stay home and paint. When their loving but repressive father dies, they must figure outhow to get along in all their uneasy sisterhood. Then three men sway their lives: Kate's boyfriend Simon offers to marry her, providing much-needed stability. Mary is drawn to Marcos, though she fears his violent past. And Andy tempts Kate with more than romance, recognizing her ambition because it matches his own. Kate and Mary each find new possibilities and darknesses in their sudden freedom. But it's Mama's life that might divide them for good — the question of if she lives, and what's worth living for.

Praise for Irises

• "Stork demonstrates his customary skill in creating memorable and multidimensional characters in a story that leaves lingering, contemplative questions regarding death, survival, and love."
  — Publishers Weekly, starred review.
  
  
• "[A] powerfully thoughtful exploration of one of the most serious questions contemporary life throws at us… Strong stuff, gently handled." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
  
  
• "Stork touches on matters of faith, fidelity, and being true to oneself with gentle writing… Although Irises covers deep topics, its slow, graceful pace never feels ponderous or overwhelming. It offers readers much to reflect on, even as its protagonists do the same." — School Library Journal