Origin

I examined the photographs, unframed and curled up on top of the TV set: jumbles of skinny children on a wasted red couch; one photo was of a slight little boy alone, wedged back into the couch, round, black eyes, a plastered-down thatch of black hair. An old tired soul staring out of that face.

When I looked at Troy I knew it right away, his sense of isolation: the only one of his kind, unfamiliar even to his own parents. I know what it means to be set loose in the world. Damaged children are all of the same tribe: I can look at any adult and recognize one instantly – Margo, Erin Cogan – we’re everywhere. Lost childhood lingers like tribal scars – in an off-kilter smile or a look in the eye – there’s always some sign. (pg. 59)

Lena Dawson is a fingerprint examiner for the City of Syracuse New York and is very comfortable with her very sheltered existence and her routine which is the same day after day. She has an ex-husband who is a tad over-protective, estranged parents, and a boss who seems to be her only friend, and a policeman that hangs around her. And then one day a distraught mother corners her at work and begs for her help in finding out what happened to her infant son who supposedly died of SIDS. It turns out there has been a series of crib deaths and soon there are suspicions of a serial killer of infants.

What seems like an ordinary mystery becomes more of a psychological study of Lena, a fairly strange person. She has a strong intuitive sense, a need to remain hidden within herself, and, perhaps what may have been a very strange beginning in this world. Set in the Syracuse winter with snow swirling all around, the reader is drawn ever deeper to explore the origins of both the crime and of Lena herself.

Abu-Jaber’s previous books (two novels and a memoir) seem centered on the immigrant experience and are based on her own knowledge of the middle-eastern community and while the theme of belonging is very much present in Origin, this book seems to be somewhat of a departure from her earlier works – her first mystery.

Origin is a quiet book, almost muffled by the weight of the snow falling inside the pages and is well written. The author is very good at creating atmosphere and that lurking sense of suspense that doesn’t quite make you jump out of your seat, but leaves you on edge all the same. I found myself wanting Lena to find her own truth and obtain some inner peace.

Diana Abu-Jaber creates an absorbing world peopled with interesting characters. The forensics and science are present but not overwhelming as this is primarily a psychological mystery rather than a science procedural. The ending seemed ever so slightly contrived but I forgave the author because I was so invested in Lena and her friend. I sincerely hope that Abu-Jabar decides these characters are worth keeping and write a second mystery.

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