Two of the best books I’ve read in recent months focus on women going against society’s expectations during periods in history when such behavior was much less acceptable. These are books not to be missed:
October in the Earth, by Olivia Hawker, takes place in Depression-era Kentucky. Del Wensley is the submissive wife of the area’s most influential and charismatic preacher. But not all is as it seems and, when her husband’s rampant infidelity is revealed, Del decides to leave her life behind and ride the rails. Crisscrossing the country, she meets friends and foes, learning the laws of life as a hobo from a young woman named Louisa. As the two travel together, Del is relentlessly pursued by her disgraced husband. She witnesses kindness and horror, sympathy and rejection, and comes to understand that true Christian behavior is found in the most unlikely places.
I devoured this book, spellbound by its imagery and the relationship between Del and Louisa. They hop on and off boxcars, face unimaginable danger, and are challenged physically, but their strength and friendship are their armor through every difficulty. There is so much to love about this story, not the least of which is an ending that I never expected. 9.5/10 Stars
Don’t Forget to Write, by Sara Goodman Confino is available with a Kindle Unlimited subscription and comes with the accompanying audiobook, which is superbly narrated. Set in 1960, we follow twenty-year-old Marilyn Kleinman, the rebellious daughter of Jewish parents who is sent to live with her great aunt Ada after being caught necking with the rabbi’s son in the synagogue. Aunt Ada is strict, cantankerous, and critical, but she is also wise, generous, and well-respected by all who know her. Aunt and niece spar endlessly, but their bond deepens over two summer months. Meanwhile, Marilyn learns life lessons she never realized she needed and comes into her own as a young woman ready to make her own choices.
I finished this book today and I knew I would be remiss if I didn’t mention it here. It is wondrous. One of the best books I’ve read this year, and nothing I say here will do it justice. It could be seen as historical fiction or as a coming-of-age story. Some might interpret it as a comment on hot button topics like religion, race, and sexual attraction. My main takeaway of this extremely well-written novel was this: even if we don’t agree with someone, even if we don’t understand them, we can still love and respect them. I’ll say no more. Just read this book. 9.5/10 Stars
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