Reviews

This book, set in 1967, is a book to revel in. I didn't realize when I started that it is slotted as a Christian book, and I almost set it down because that isn't usually my preferred genre. But I had just finished reading and listening to, two rather graphic noir thrillers, and I thought this would be a nice change of pace. Susie Finkbeiner is a marvellous writer. Her characters are warm and alive, her story, in this case is as warm and alive as the characters. The Jacobson family consists of Michael, Annie and Joel, and their mother Gloria. Gloria has been a single mother since Joel, who is the youngest, was 2 years old. Her husband and the children's father came back from fighting in Korea with severe PTSD, and couldn't stay with the family. The action in this book takes place over the course of one year. Annie is 18, Joel is 14 and Michael is 20. This is a happy home with well-adjusted children. Their mother has done a marvellous job of raising them. But when Michael comes home one day saying that he has enlisted in the army to fight in the Vietnam war, the family dynamic is forever changed With his mother as captain of the family, Michael has been the glue that held it together in the absence of their father, Frank. I particularly enjoyed this book as I completely remember the 60's, and the music references, news articles and all the free love and demonstrations are all very familiar to me. I too grew up in this era. Once you open this book, you will not want to shut the covers. It's a gripping story of family, friends and caring people in the small community where the Jacobsons live. Part of the book is set around correspondence between Michael in Vietnam and his family back home. It brings the Vietnamese War to life and shows clearly the damage it did to those who fought in it and to those who were at home praying for their family who were fighting in it. I heartily recommend this book. Once you meet the Jacobson family, you will not soon forget them.

kdreader's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

marlo_c's review against another edition

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4.0

I feel as if I cheated a little with this book and wish I hadn't. It was moving a little slow for me, so I started scanning through parts of it, instead of savoring. I shouldn't have. It deserved a more careful reading. I liked the characters and the complexity of the family. I appreciated the author's treatment of some of the social issues occurring in the 1960s, and as a person of faith, I respected her weaving in what it means to trust God through difficulty and was encouraged by the themes of redemption and what it means to live now in light of eternity. It is a bittersweet story, but not one without hope. I will be looking for more books by this author.

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