About the book:"Thank goodness you're such a plain child. You'll have to rely on your wits."
So went the words of Grandma Bebe. And for all of my growing-up years, I scoffed at the beauty of my sister and what I saw as her meaningless existence. But my wits hadn't served me well in this instance, for here I was, in jail. And while I could have seen it as carrying on the family tradition (for Grandma Bebe landed in jail for her support of Prohibition), the truth is, my reasons for being here would probably break her heart.
So how did I end up becoming a criminal? I've been pondering that question all night. Perhaps the best way to search for an answer is to start at the very beginning.
My thoughts:
Though Waters Roar is another win for Lynn Austin! It's clear why her novels win so many awards, and I wouldn't be surprised at all if this one garners a few of it's own.
It's no secret at all that Lynn Austin is one of my absolute favorite authors, but I have to admit that I struggled a little bit initially to get interested in this story. One of Lynn's trademarks is merging a present-day story with some history of another person within a family unit. This book had that same feature (which I love), but it was harder for me to follow for the first few chapters. Usually, her books are divided into parts with each part being about one person's story. This one was not set up that way at all, and there were times that I was so thoroughly confused trying to keep the characters straight, and where they belonged in the overall timeline. But....don't let that deter you from considering this book for your next read. Just keep in mind that it make take you awhile to fully immerse yourself in the story.
I loved the historical elements that were featured, too. This story focused on the era of women struggling to have a voice, particularly with voting. Another large chunk of the story featured alcoholism, and the resulting Prohibition movement. And yet another portion dealth with slavery. Each major character had a hand in each one of these parts of history, and it was so thoroughly fascinating to read about all of that in one book.
While it's probably won't ever be my favorite book ever by Lynn Austin, I have to give it 5 stars simply because the story was truly extraordinary. And as always, I can't wait to read her next book. :o)
5 Stars
**Thanks to Bethany House for providing a copy for review.
Though Waters Roar is another win for Lynn Austin! It's clear why her novels win so many awards, and I wouldn't be surprised at all if this one garners a few of it's own.
It's no secret at all that Lynn Austin is one of my absolute favorite authors, but I have to admit that I struggled a little bit initially to get interested in this story. One of Lynn's trademarks is merging a present-day story with some history of another person within a family unit. This book had that same feature (which I love), but it was harder for me to follow for the first few chapters. Usually, her books are divided into parts with each part being about one person's story. This one was not set up that way at all, and there were times that I was so thoroughly confused trying to keep the characters straight, and where they belonged in the overall timeline. But....don't let that deter you from considering this book for your next read. Just keep in mind that it make take you awhile to fully immerse yourself in the story.
I loved the historical elements that were featured, too. This story focused on the era of women struggling to have a voice, particularly with voting. Another large chunk of the story featured alcoholism, and the resulting Prohibition movement. And yet another portion dealth with slavery. Each major character had a hand in each one of these parts of history, and it was so thoroughly fascinating to read about all of that in one book.
While it's probably won't ever be my favorite book ever by Lynn Austin, I have to give it 5 stars simply because the story was truly extraordinary. And as always, I can't wait to read her next book. :o)
5 Stars
**Thanks to Bethany House for providing a copy for review.
Great reivew! I love Lynn Austin, too and can't wait for While We're Far Apart. The cover is gorgeous and I just love her historicals.
ReplyDeleteWow - I really like the passage you used. Hooked me right in. Thanks for introducing me to this book and author. I'll be sure to check it out.
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed every Lynn Austin book I've read. This one looks terrific.
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