A review by bekkasbookclub
The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters

challenging emotional sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The Berry Pickers is a story of a heartbreaking loss when a family experiences their youngest child, Ruthie, going missing. Beginning in the summer of 1962 we get the point of view of Joe, Ruthie’s older brother, who was with Ruthie when she went missing. And Ruthie, who after her abduction, goes by the name of Norma. While the whole family struggles with the loss of Ruthie, no one takes it as rough as Joe. His story is full of feelings of guilt and the struggles he experiences during the time Ruthie is missing. Ruthie/Norma has “dreams” of a family and brother but are actually memories of her time before she was taken. Her story is a different kind of sadness because of the worry her abductor/”mother” has if Norma/Ruthie figures out the truth. Both stories are filled with sadness and grief, but as a reader you are anticipating when their stories collide. Once Norma/Ruthie figures out the truth, the book does take on a faster pace and the resolution is very healing. I would recommend this if you want a family saga with a rewarding ending.