Comfort of Fences is a character-driven novel that reveals the
faults and strengths of a trio of women. Ruth has fought her entire life
to make her own decisions and protect her now adult
mentally-handicapped daughter, Denise. Ruth protected Denise too well,
isolating her from opportunities to find her own independence. Denise's
strength comes from silence and her ability to bear witness to the
reality of what life has given her. Georgia is Ruth's lifelong best
friend and source of wisdom and sometimes comedic relief. The
relationship between these women illustrates that sometimes strength
comes more from acceptance than fighting, that silence can be profound,
and that the truest of loves has nothing to do with romance.