I
remember hearing about the Dust Bowl in U.S. History class. I may
have even read a novel or two about it. But Finkbeiner brings it
alive like I've never seen before.
The
story is mostly told through the eyes of ten year old Pearl. Her daddy is the sheriff of Red River, Oklahoma. It's 1934 and the dust
blows through the dying town. Some have stayed, trying to make a
living. The poor ones live in dugouts outside of town.
I
really liked seeing the world through Pearl's eyes. There are serious
events that take place in the novel. It is a devastating time for
many and some do desperate acts. Tragedy is frequent. Hobos and poor
families stop in the area, on their way to find a promised new life
in California. One of them is a man with a deadly agenda.
And
we see it all through the innocent eyes of Pearl. Even as her parents
try to shelter her from the difficult events of the time, she comes
to be at the center of a revenge that would affect her whole family.
I held my breath as it looked like Pearl's world would fall apart and
be changed forever.
I
liked Pearl's family. With an employed father, they have more money
than most in the town. It was heartening to see her mother's giving
heart toward those less fortunate. It was heartbreaking to see those
who so desperately needed her gifts.
A
main issue that comes through in the novel is that of parenthood. Who
is your real parent, the one who birthed you or the one who cared for
you your whole life? Another issue is the one of nature verses
nurture. Does your DNA prescribe who you are or the environment in
which you were raised?
Another
issue revolves around God, sin and judgment. The preacher claimed the
lack of rain was God's judgment on the people's sin. That brought
back memories of prominent preachers who claimed the same about
hurricane Katrina's devastation on New Orleans.
A
prominent theme running through the story is the idea of one
sacrificing a great deal for the life of another. While the action in
the novel was on a human level, I couldn't help but think of how
Jesus sacrificed so much so we could live. The price Pearl's parents
were willing to pay for her life and well being because of their love
for her is a good illustration of our Father's love for us.
I
highly recommend this novel. It's not easy to read. Oh, it's very
well written. It is just that the subject matter portrays desperate
people living through a very hard time. Finkbeiner has done an
excellent job of taking us right into their tragic world. There is a
good discussion guide to help reading groups work through the many
issues in this good novel.
In
an Afterword, Finkbeiner says at the age of sixteen, she read The
Grapes of Wrath. She felt compelled to learn more about the Dust
Bowl. For nineteen years she found out all she could about this
period in history, writing short stories, leading discussions. This
novel is the culmination of her work. The end of the story is left
open and I hope there is a sequel.
My
rating: 5/5 stars.
Susie
Finkbeiner is a stay-at-home mom, speaker, the author of two previous
novels and is from West Michigan. She is an avid blogger at
https://susiefinkbeiner.wordpress.com/.
Kregel
Publications, 320 pages.
I
received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the
purpose of an independent and honest review.
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