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lindamarieaustin110159 's review for:
As Bright as Heaven
by Susan Meissner
As Bright as Heaven was my first exposure to a historical fiction novel set against the backdrop of WWI and the deadly influenza pandemic of 1918. It was an eye opener for me. With a few web searches, I began to realize just how many people around the world were lost to this scourge of disease, and how many millions more survived, but their lives were touched forever by the death of a loved one who did not recover from the illness.
Meissner's characters are completely endearing. Pauline Bright is is haunted by the loss of her infant son, Henry, yet a caring mother for her three daughters. She is brave enough to relent to her husband, Thomas, agreeing to uproot their family and move to Philadelphia. Once there she is capable of adapting to whatever circumstances she encounters, taking on responsibilities most people would shun. Evelyn(Evie), the oldest daughter, is very mature for her age, an avid reader on a constant quest for knowledge and understanding. Maggie, like her mother, yearns to help out in whatever way she can. She lavishes attention on her disabled neighbor, Charlie Sutcliff, bringing joy to him and his family. Her letters to Charlie's bother, Jamie, serving overseas thoughtfully bear witness to the life he left behind, giving him hope when he returns from duty. Willa is the youngest. Like the rest of her family, she opens her heart to make room for baby Alex.
I'll remember this novel for a long time. I gave it ***** because it was heartwarming read and a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
Meissner's characters are completely endearing. Pauline Bright is is haunted by the loss of her infant son, Henry, yet a caring mother for her three daughters. She is brave enough to relent to her husband, Thomas, agreeing to uproot their family and move to Philadelphia. Once there she is capable of adapting to whatever circumstances she encounters, taking on responsibilities most people would shun. Evelyn(Evie), the oldest daughter, is very mature for her age, an avid reader on a constant quest for knowledge and understanding. Maggie, like her mother, yearns to help out in whatever way she can. She lavishes attention on her disabled neighbor, Charlie Sutcliff, bringing joy to him and his family. Her letters to Charlie's bother, Jamie, serving overseas thoughtfully bear witness to the life he left behind, giving him hope when he returns from duty. Willa is the youngest. Like the rest of her family, she opens her heart to make room for baby Alex.
I'll remember this novel for a long time. I gave it ***** because it was heartwarming read and a testament to the strength of the human spirit.