While her sister lies on her deathbed, Abby Fischer prays for a miracle. What Abby doesn’t expect, however, is for God’s answer to come in the form of the handsome Dr. Robert King, whose experimental treatment is risky at best. As they work together toward a cure, Abby’s feelings for Robert become hopelessly entangled. Separated by the tragedy of the mighty San Francisco earthquake, their … relationship suddenly takes a back seat to survival. With fires raging throughout the city, Abby fears for her life as she flees alone through burning streets. Where is God now? Will Robert find Abby, even as the world burns around them? Or has their love fallen with the ruins of the city?
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This was a fascinating look at the San Francisco tragedy of the Earthquake and Fire in 1906. I have read all the facts but this fleshed it out so I could relate to some of the people who loved through it. My mother was there , 1 year old and her sister was 4. I was born there and lived there through 9th grade. I knew all the streets and parks mentioned and even the hospital I LOVED this book. Very well written!!!
Every so often I read a book in which I leave its pages with a desire to learn more of that subject and time in history. With Out of the Ruins, Karen Barnett, has made me go on a hunt to find more books, photographs, and film footage of this catastrophic period in the history of San Francisco, California. What a fascinating novel!
In Out of the Ruins, Abby Fischer’s family has to relocate to San Francisco because of her sister’s need for a hospital, good doctors, and a cure for her cancer. Dr. Robert King has been studying the new X-ray treatment and wants to experiment on Abby’s sister. If this works, doctors wish to try this on other kinds of cancer as well.
Abby is a nice enough heroine. I liked that she wasn’t supposed to be beautiful and had her share of awkward moments. These moments created some light-hearted scenes in an otherwise serious, somber book. I admired the author’s portrayal of the relationship between Abby and her siblings. Even though Abby is quiet (most of the time) and not a social butterfly like her sister, they are best friends. Each sister has something to offer. Abby doesn’t make friends easily. Where she does love, she loves fiercely and feels deeply. She adores her little brother and I did too. Karen Barnett did a wonderful job writing a four year old. He didn’t talk way above his age level, try to match-make, and take up unnecessary page space. This boy was just right.
The hero, Robert, is good. Um….I’m not certain what else to say about him. The novel concentrated more on his occupation and dedication than on his personality. We don’t read much about his likes and dislikes, background or habits. He was there to be the hero and doctor. It was fascinating to read about the X-ray treatment he was using. I love learning little things like that about history. Things haven’t changed that much. They were trying to cure cancer back then and are still doing so now!
A romantic relationship is always an important part of fiction. Abby and Robert have a romance, but it’s not a major part of this work. Usually, I want more romance in a novel. In this case I was so blown away by the history plot that a lot more romance would have been contrived and out of place. I do wish there would have been a couple more chapters that would have shown a the couple in love and relaxed after all the problems have been settled. We need more peace afer all the drama.
Out of the Ruins has us walking with Abby and her family through some very dark, tough waters of sickness, grief, loneliness, and finally, the earthquake and Great Fire of San Francisco. Karen Barnett writes with sympathy and understanding, while not shying away from the harsh realities. Through all of these problems, Abby has to learn to trust God and surrender her will to Him. The author brings out some wonderful truths about God’s love and control in difficult circumstances.
Karen Barnett’s story had me on the edge of my seat. After walking, grieving, and sympathizing with these characters we are confronted with unfathomable catastrophes! I love the way the author wrote the second-half of the book in real-time. One could feel the panic and taste the fear of these people during the earthquake and fire. Hour by hour we are accompanying Abby and/or Robert in their aid of others and their search for escape.
After closing this book I want to find more information about the Great Fire of San Francisco and look forward to reading book two in this series.