A gripping family story of tragic loss, forgiveness, secrets and resilience set in rural Texas, from the author of Birdie and Jude and The Ember Months. Opal’s Story is delivered in delicious bites with rich characters. A murder/suicide in 1948 rocks a small west Texas town and leaves a young widow with a new baby questioning her judgement. Opal Evans revisits that past as she faces a terminal … past as she faces a terminal illness destined to end her life before she has forgiven herself for her role in changing the lives of her family.
In a love story of acceptance and family bonds, an unlikely hero emerges to reveal to Opal it is never too late to discover and forgive. Opal’s brothers, Harold Joe and Jimmy Dale are just as vibrant in their appeal. Their easy presence is a testament to their concern for their sister and the love of a family bound by an unthinkable tragedy.
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in the beginning of the book I thought it was about black people during the civil rights time. I was taken by surprise after the morgue scenes into the small town white world where Opal lived and the things that happened to her & her family. the book flowed between the young Olga, happy with her husband and baby to the later last part of her life. There was never a problem keeping things straight. it certainly made you think about keeping secrets and losing touch with family. also that we must speak up and not always agree with the crowd right or wrong. I loved the way the story ended, very feel good!
This story addresses so much about the effects of past issues & trauma. Through Opal’s Story you feel what her & her family feel & have gone through. It can actually help others to forgive themselves & others.
I especially liked the reference to predators in organized religion. It’s a lesson to us all to question others & their motives. I was raised to never question church authorities. Even the apostle Paul said to “test every spirit “. Thank God I never went through anything traumatic & painful, as others have. My pastor has always admonished us to question all things, not everyone who comes in the name of the Lord is of God (Bible verse). The lesson in forgiveness & honesty is timeless & deep.
This was a wonderful story with great characters. It was hard to put it down. I just wanted to read about how her life progressed and how she ended up where she was. This story is a great example of how little things can happen to alter your life without you knowing it.
Nicely written, ckean, realistic story.
It was a good book. The characters were so intertwined beautifully and getting the back history was wonderful but so sad
What I loved about this book is how the author spun new thought consciousness into the retelling of an event caused by the close-minded ways of the past, therefore showing how much we have evolved consciously as a society. Well, some of us anyway.
I enjoyed this book. I thought it was a good quick read. The characters are interesting, except you don’t feel like you really get to deeply know any of them. Despite the lack of character depth I did enjoy the book and thought it was a fun read.
Excellent story telling.
I liked the way the author revealed information throughout the story and tied the story together.
Rated just okay because of lack of depth. Good, original story though
An easy read with characters who could be your neighbor’s or family.
Good book after you get into it.
unique story about forgiveness and continuing on after tragedy as well as emphasizing the importance of family support.
Just ok.
A very different read! Enjoyable! Will recommend!
Kept my attention.
Original story
Characters you care about
I will look for more by this author.
I loved this book. So nice to read something that feels real. Tragedy and triumph. I liked all the characters in this book and the strong family bond. The last bit of the of the book seemed a bit rushed. However, knowing that a person with her condition can feel exhilarated and full of life right before death I thought the last couple of pages were fitting. Well written and I will read more of this author’s work.
A story about someone living her life and taking the rotten lumps in stride while a strong family helps her make it.
Loved the characters and wanted more!!