Can the invisible walls that separate people ever come down?In 1933, Anna Leibowicz is convinced that the American dream that brought her Jewish family here from Poland is nothing but an illusion. Her father has vanished. Her dreams of college can’t make it past the sweat-shop door. And when she discovers to her shame and horror that she’s with child, her mother gives her little choice but to … but to leave her family. Deciding her best course of action is to try to find her father, she strikes out…hoping against hope to somehow redeem them both.
When Anna stumbles upon a house full of orphan boys in rural Indiana who are in desperate need of a tutor, she agrees to postpone her journey. But she knows from the moment she meets their contemplative, deep-hearted caretaker, Thomas Chandler, that she doesn’t dare risk staying too long. She can’t afford to open her heart to them, to him. She can’t risk letting her secrets out.
All too soon, the townspeople realize she’s not like them and treat her with the same disdain they give the Sisters of Mercy—the nuns who help Thomas and the boys—and Samuel, the quiet colored boy Thomas has taken in. With the Klan presence in the town growing ever stronger and the danger to this family increasing the longer she stays, Anna is torn between fleeing to keep them safe…and staying to fight beside them.
Oh, that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest…
more
Wings Like a Dove, by Camille Eide, is one of the most moving novels I have ever read. The history it explores and the themes it pursues are powerfully intense, necessary, and timely. This well-written novel is gut-wrenchingly raw and honest, yet it is not without hope. It is tender, beautiful, emotionally-stirring, and thought-provoking.
This novel bravely and boldly explores very difficult and sensitive topics such as prejudice, racism, gossip, hatred, and hypocrisy. Even still, I couldn’t turn away. I found the stories and perspectives contained within this novel to be incredibly compelling, because Ms. Eide has skillfully crafted believable characters who are vulnerable, flawed, and achingly real.
At times, this novel broke my heart. I wept and I grieved for those who actually lived this story beyond the world of ink on paper. As revealed throughout history, and as depicted in the pages of this book, the human capacity for evil is beyond my fathoming. Yet, the human capacity for compassion and self-sacrifice is equally striking. This book also reveals that where there is unwarranted hatred and oppression, there will always be those who purposefully risk much to oppose such injustice and cruelty.
When fiction can make us explore our own hearts, our own motivations, our own insecurities, and our own fears, it is an incredibly marvelous thing. When fiction can nurture positive change, then written words become something profound and meaningful. This book and its many poignant themes reminds us all that assumptions can be dangerous, empathy is life-changing, and grace and forgiveness can lead to healing and reconciliation.
Throughout this novel, Ms. Eide also illustrates the capacity of God’s love to heal wounded hearts and broken lives. This story never fails to affirm the promise that God is near to everyone at all times. It is He who makes a way when no way can be found. Even in moments of regret, even in situations that seem desperately bleak, and even in the midst of significant shame, fear, and danger there can be found an unshakeable hope when trust is placed securely in the promises of an eternal God.
Wings Like a Dove is truly an outstanding novel from beginning to end. Ms. Eide’s talent for storytelling is remarkable. Her writing is well-researched, descriptive, and very immersive. Within every paragraph and page there is deep meaning, real truth, and thoughtful purpose. This story is relevant, fascinating, and unforgettable. I recommend it wholeheartedly.
*I was given a copy of this book by the author/publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.
I’m speechless. So, so crushingly beautiful, and I couldn’t put it down. The themes of understanding and acceptance, grace and forgiveness are so powerful in Anna & Thomas’s story, but the growing love between them was palpable. I smiled, I wept, and I rejoiced. Camille Eide has blessed her readers again, and allowed us a peek into crafting the stitches of an unforgettable quilt.
This poignant novel offers a glimpse into the lives of some innocents who must deal with prejudice. Anna, a young Jewish woman leaves her impoverished life in New York in 1933 to go in search of her father. People’s harsh attitudes toward her will only deteriorate when they learn her painful secret. She ends up in a small town in Indiana and befriends a group of orphan boys, including one black lad. They also face the terrors of the Ku Klux Klan there. The author’s writing draws you right into the lives and difficulties of the characters, and the story felt quite real.
I find the connections we as readers bring to a story quite interesting. I had recently finished a novel where the guilty person tried to continue Hitler’s final solution (not named since this is a spoiler), and last year read The Pink Bonnet by Liz Tolsma, which shared stories of stolen children who were “sold,” so the horrible home for unwed mothers in this book did not surprise me. One thing that did surprise me was that a former preacher would marry again while his original wife was still living—I do not believe such a covenant relationship can be ended except by death, as Paul teaches in Scripture, so divorce for unfaithfulness is allowed but not remarriage. Also, my Polish and German Catholic ancestors who immigrated to America did face persecution, and my hometown, unfortunately, was one that did not allow black people to remain after sundown, plus this Northwest town did have an active KKK. History contains painful pieces, but we can learn from it and strive to do better in the future. That’s the message I gleaned from this book.
Wings Like a Dove really took me by surprise – I knew I would like it, but this really blew my expectations out of the water. This story touches on so many things and strikes such a delicate balance between so many elements that make a story good – there’s historical realism, an endearing cast of characters, and a sweet romance. Eide does not shy away from the realities of prejudice and racism, but not do I feel there is any unecessary drama added in either. It’s just a quality story about hard-working and caring people facing a rising tide of hatred and prejudice.
It begins with Anna taking a journey to escape the plight found in New York City, as well as to search for her absent father. Though she reaches safety in small-town Indiana, a plight of an entirely different sort greets her. A group of orphans needs her help, and she knows she needs a safe place to land. Bigotry in the guise of morality is the mode of operation for many of the townspeople, though Eide does a good job of not making caricatures out of anyone. Friendships are formed and tested, and despite her wish to remain aloof from the boys and their caretaker, Thomas,
she is compelled to stay.
I loved the natural progression of this plot and the relationships that go from aloof to enduring. Anna is a flawed, endearing character, and I loved the friendships that took root first between her, the boys, and Thomas. The story unfolds so well, and suffice it to say, this is my favorite of Eide’s novels that I’ve read so far. She has already proven herself to be a versatile author, with both contemporary and historical stories. I highly recommend this novel to readers of historical fiction.
I felt a deep connection to this story and loved this quote:
“I have learned that wherever we find ourselves, we must have the courage to stretch out roots and produce something useful, even in times of difficulty. We must bloom boldly in whatever field our seed has fallen.”
I love the reminder that even if things turn out differently than we thought, we can always choose to tend our “field” the best we can and look for the beauty there. This is a reminder that my heart needs often.
I received an advanced copy of this novel. I was not required to post a positive review. This review is my honest opinion.
Wings Like a Dove is an amazing story of a difficult era in American history–with frightening echoes today–when the KKK was in full swing running a campaign of terror against immigrants and people of color. When Anna, a young Jewish woman, finds herself pregnant and unwed, her mother forces her to leave home. Wandering far from home, she meets Thomas, a carpenter who runs a small orphanage for six young boys, one of them a black boy whose previous trauma has rendered him mute. Offered work, Anna becomes their teacher, coming to love the boys, as well as Thomas, However, she is not accepted in the town, and once her pregnancy becomes apparent, hatred and bigotry arise in force. Anna must make some difficult decisions, as must the people of the town, as hatred spills over into violence. Camille Eide creates realistic characters, complete with fears and failings, but also sympathetic people that make the reader want to keep reading to find out how their story will turn out. Much more than a romance, this book touches upon important issues of prejudice, as well as the redeeming love of God. Touching and highly recommended!
This was a wonderful read and very timely considering the on-going racial injustices that continue to occur in our country. Camille Eide wrote a story set in the 1930s that portrays the injustices against Jews and against black people in America. Anna, a young woman wrought with shame from her illicit pregnancy in 1933 also suffers the affects of anti-Semitism and abandonment by her father. In spite of these trials, Anna gives her heart and wisdom to a group of orphan boys. In turn, she receives healing through a few people who extend God’s love to her in spite of very real threats lobbied against them—including the horrific actions of local Ku Klux Klan group. This book pierced my heart with almost every emotion.
5 Stars
This book had me staying up late to see what happens. Camille has a way of attaching you to her characters and rooting for them all throughout. The timing is perfect for examining prejudices we may have. HIghly recommend.
My Thoughts on Wings Like A Dove:
This book. I had a bit of trouble actually getting into it. I had to read several chapters before I felt like I had gotten into a rhythm with reading. It wasn’t that I didn’t like the story, because I did! This is one of my favorite time periods and I love the complexity of the storyline.
I felt so much love and hurt for Anna. Her life has been anything but easy. While we here in our house are celebrating Hanukkah with lots of potatoes and lard and meat, she had to flee from her homeland. And then she had to flee from her new home. Finally, she finds a place where she could feel loved and accepted, and maybe even lose her heart.
But can she stay? Will she be able to be safe? Can she help keep her new friends safe?
I really enjoyed this book. While it did take me a while to become invested in the story once I was I couldn’t put it down. It’s not full of suspense keep watching over your shoulder book, but it is a wonderful storyline that you’re going to be drawn to. There is suspense though so don’t knock it for lack of that. Also, there is some romance as well.
Recommend this book to be added to your reading list. It’s a good one!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
What I think you should know:
Wings like a Dove is a historical fiction or historical romance set in 1933. It follows Anna Leibowicz, a Jewish immigrant who fled Poland to escape persecution only to find that the American dream her family’s hopes had crashed when her father disappeared leaving her to support her mother and siblings.
What you might need to know:
Anna became pregnant and blamed herself for it, however based on what she said in the book it was date rape.
My thoughts on this book:
Camille Eide has written a beautiful, but tough book that shows how difficult times can be defined by how you treat other people. Anna had been raised with a sense of community that she does not find once she is forced from her home. Anna is instead faced with prejudice once people realize she is “different” than them. Thomas also faced prejudice for choices he made, but he was a wonderful character. I loved the strength he showed , how he looked beyond race or circumstance to see the person. The Boys were a delight, I could picture them and their antics and loved the elements they brought to the story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
This book is one I could not put down. It is a riveting account of what it was like in 1933. Being Jewish, Anna never once thought her heritage would cause so much discord among others. I instantly liked her never give up attitude and humble spirit. When she becomes pregnant her mother gives her no choice but to leave her home. I can’t imagine what it would be like to be all alone with no where to sleep or even be able to find food to eat.
Thomas is a wonderful character who has taken in young boys to raise so they won’t be sent to an orphanage. My heart went out to him as he tried so hard to provide for them and try to keep them grounded in the Word. His faith was very strong and his love for the children was unconditional.
I believe it was a divine appointment when Anna runs into Thomas and he offers her a place to stay in exchange for teaching school to the boys he is in charge of. Anna is hesitant but with a new life growing inside she has no other choice but to accept his offer. As the story continues the author shows us what racism feels like when people in the little town show how much they don’t like anyone but white people. One of the young boys that Thomas cares for moved me to tears. Samuel and Anna seem to build a special bond and I loved how Anna helped Samuel to understand who God was. He is a boy who has seen something that scares him and it rears its ugly head in town one day.
I couldn’t believe how horrible people could be to others because of the color of their skin, heritage or religious beliefs. Thomas and Anna are from different backgrounds but it doesn’t hinder their friendship. When the town discovers that Anna is Jewish and has kept her pregnancy a secret, hate spews into her life. She is shunned by everyone in town. The author gives a vivid account of what it must have been like for someone living during this time period facing hatred. The mention of the KKK was hard to read and they caused destruction and death in the town. Through all the turmoil going on there God was there protecting those who felt unwanted and judged.
The author has written an epic adventure that illustrates the hard times people faced during this time period with food supplies dwindling and a nation under seize by prejudice and greed. I longed for Anna and Samuel to feel accepted and loved. The faith element in the story is strong and gives characters comfort and shows them that God will never leave them. The story has opened my eyes to the fact that many people even today still find themselves in the face of hatred by those who are blinded by a world that still practices prejudice. The story is filled with many lessons and a beautiful ending that gives us hope for change.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Wings Like a Dove by author Camille Eide is a Christian Historical Romance set in 1930’s America. It is a story of hope, resilience, prejudice, redemption, and love. This captivating story grabbed my attention immediately and refused to relinquish its hold until the very end.
Author Eide is new to me. This is the first thing I have read by her. I was impressed with her lovely writing style. Words flowed easily into a well planned story. Her subject matter was deep and haunting. It hurts my heart to read how cruel people were to those of different races and religions. Unfortunately the same holds true today.
From Poland Anna along with her mother and siblings now live in America. Their father came earlier but is nowhere to be found. Anna decides to search for him after having some trouble of her own.
The fictional town of Corbin, Indiana was not an ideal, Mayberry type town. It had residents filled with prejudice, hatred, bigotry, and lives that needed Jesus. My heart broke for the destruction and pain caused to so many.
The author did an exceptional job crafting her characters. They were realistic and relatable. I enjoyed the small town, rural setting. There were children that gave the story a sweet touch. Throughout the book Anna makes Challah bread, described in mouthwatering detail. Readers are rewarded with a recipe at the end.
Author Eide has penned a novel filled with mystery, misunderstandings, religious and racial prejudice, forgiveness, encouragement, faith, hope, love, and redemption. Scripture and faith are woven into it beautifully. It is a deep story that stayed with me. I hated for it to end because I became so attached to the characters.
I highly recommend this book. Early teen readers are too young for much of the subject matter. It has discussion questions so this is the perfect selection for a reading group or small group. My rating for this is 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.
Wings like a Dove
In Wings like a Dove Anna makes a mistake one night and has to leave her family because of it. When she leaves she find a house of orphan boys. She becomes their teacher. She then meets their caretaker Thomas. Will she fall for him?
I felt bad for Anna. She was Jewish and there was a lot of people that was against her because of it. I loved her friend Sarah, she risked a lot to be friends with Anna.
This book doesn’t take very long to read even though it has 285 pages. It is a book that is hard to put down.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.
As an avid reader of Christian historical fiction, finding a distinctive work that truly stands out from the rest and also covers a little-known time period can be challenging. Earlier this year I read Cathy Gohlke’s “The Medallion” and appreciated it for being a different type of Holocaust narrative. Throughout college, I took courses on and studied the Holocaust, focusing mostly on the concentration camps. However, I do not remember studying the earlier years of Hitler’s rise to power, nor do I recall reading accounts of Jewish life in America prior to WWII. This is obviously not to say that they don’t exist, but rather that literature, especially when fictional, tends to focus on the War and the atrocities perpetrated therein. Part of the reason why I loved “Wings Like a Dove” so much is that it diverges from the conventional novel about Jewish people during this era.
Writing with verdant detail, Camille Eide cultivates a poignant story within the pages of “Wings Like a Dove.” Interestingly, this story takes place in America in 1933, the same year in which Hitler became Chancellor of Germany. After leaving their native Poland, Anna Leibowicz and her family are struggling to make a life in America, which is turning out not to be the promised land of opportunity for everyone. Anna is such an interesting, multi-faceted character, and her growth and maturation are beautiful yet heartrending to witness. After becoming pregnant out of wedlock, she is forced to leave her home and make her own way, which lands her in the role of tutor to six orphaned boys whose caretaker’s deeply-held Christian beliefs both baffle and intrigue her. She has always lived in a community in which neighbor took care of neighbor, but she doesn’t understand the workings of Christianity: “A choice? To belong to a religion? How strange. Being a Jew was not a choice.” This was eye-opening for me because it offers perspective; being a Christian is a matter of asking Jesus into your heart as Lord and Savior, whereas being Jewish is something that you are born into.
A fact that I did not fully realize before reading this novel is that living in America did not exempt Jewish people from persecution. Although America became a safe haven for Jewish refugees during and after WWII, and I have always considered those who immigrated prior to Hitler’s invasion of Poland as being secure, “Wings Like a Dove” sheds light on how dangerous it was to be Jewish: “All she knew was you could be tormented for a heritage you did not choose. You could inherit a life of constant upheaval and uncertainty whether you wanted it or not. You could be despised for the odious crime of simply being born.” This is the crux of the story’s conflict both within Anna herself and in the world around her. Sadly, this is something that we still see today, but we must remember that accepting Jesus brings us to a glorious eternal inheritance regardless of race or nationality.
Eide deftly works the historical atmosphere into “Wings Like a Dove.” The Campbell Home for Mothers and Children in this novel puts me in mind of Georgia Tann and the Tennessee Children’s Home Society and highlights some of the potential danger faced by the orphan boys. In the same manner, Sam’s elective mutism bespeaks past trauma inflicted due to the color of his skin. As aforementioned, xenophobia plays a major role in the story, with the Jewish people being discriminated against along with Catholics, Negroes, and other immigrants. The Ku Klux Klan enters into the narrative as well. I applaud Eide for demonstrating that racism is always wrong and that we should offer Christ’s love to everyone because that is what will ultimately triumph. For further exploration, there are discussion questions included at the end of the book, followed by more generalized discussion questions about broader points.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through CelebrateLit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
Wings Like A Dove by Camille Eide is a powerful Christian historical novel that has its foundations in fact. Camille Eide has woven a fabulous tale.
The novel is set in 1933 in New York and a rural town in the heart of America. It is a time of the Great Depression. There is much poverty. Out of their poverty, some characters give what little they have to those who have even less. Where they see a need, it is met.
In contrast there are some bigoted, racially intolerant characters who work together to make life impossible for those whose skin is a different colour or whose religion is not seen as the ‘right’ one. “You could be despised for the odious crime of simply being born.” Prejudice is rife. The reader sees the appalling lengths some people will stoop to as characters see themselves as racially and morally superior.
All the characters are well drawn. They individually elicit various responses from the reader from love to dislike. My personal favourite has to be Sam, a young Negro boy, so traumatised that speech eludes him. He certainly brought out all my mothering instincts.
There will always be those who take advantage of others. Mistakes are made. Forgiveness needs to be given, especially to the face in the mirror. We often judge ourselves far too harshly. God is the God of second chances and new beginnings, so why do we find it so hard to accept His gift of forgiveness and grace?
There are some huge kind-hearted characters who draw others to them with their kindness and care.
I loved Wings Like A Dove, it gave a glimpse into the harsh realities of the Depression era and the courage, kindness and strength of character needed to overcome racial, religious and moral intolerance and prejudice. It was a truly marvellous read.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
Wow! The old saying, how do you eat an elephant….one bite at a time…describes how to take in this beautifully crafted novel. There are so many nuggets of gold to glean if you take your time. It shines the light on judgement, prejudice, preconceived notions, and fear of what we don’t understand. It takes place in the 1930’s but could have just as well been written in present day. The strength of character that Anna shows is impressive although she was carrying burdens of secrets and blaming herself. It is a story that has you weeping and feeling sorry for the injustices that take place. It will open your heart to love and show compassion on your fellow man, as we are all created by God. I loved this book from the characters to the details of the story line. I can’t find all the right words to describe what I want to say without spoilers, so I will just say it needs to be read. This is a new author to me and I will be looking to reading more by her.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit/author. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
Camille Eide has written a beautiful tale with Wings Like a Dove. This is the first book I have read by her and it will definitely not be the last. This story covers a little bit of different part of American history than what I have read in the past. Which I found fascinating. The historical details made me feel as though I was right there in the moment. My heart ached for Anna and what she had to go through. She was treated terribly but she continued to bravely live and keep having faith. I admired her courage. Thomas was another character that I absolutely adored.
Wings Like a Dove is getting a well deserved five plus stars from me. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy an intriguing and inspiring historical. I look forward to reading more by Camille Eide in the future. I would love to know what other stories she has written.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
Oh that I had wings like a dove! For then I would fly away, and be at rest. Psalm 55:6
As an introduction to this author, this book certainly did not disappoint! I was caught up in the story immediately and had a hard time setting it aside to finish other tasks. It’s the 1930’s and immigrants are arriving daily. Languages, cultures, beliefs – so many issues that collide with those that are considered ‘American’. Was it possible that a young Polish Jew and a little black boy would find understanding and grace in a small town in Ohio? Was there a chance that some would stand up for what’s right, put their faith into action and offer mercy and acceptance?
‘What if we choose instead to be blind to people’s flaws and shortcomings, and the differences we do not understand?’ – Anna
She learned that while none of us can fully atone for our sins, we can find redemption in forgiveness, a lesson we all can learn from this incredible story! A timely story reminding us not to be caught in the disease of hard indifference, smallness and intolerance of those that are different.
I received this ebook through WhiteFire Publishing and CelebrateLit. The impressions, comments and rating are my own and were in no way solicited.
Beautifully written, this novel broke my heart even as it embraces with heartwarming actions of people who care for others despite the cost. The author, an excellent storyteller, shows the early 20th century when fear caused devastating bigotry. Persecutors were bound together by belief of seriously flawed information. Corbin, Indiana is an example of what happens when a town, and country, allows bigotry and hatred to almost overtake it.
America was a difficult place to live in the 1930’s. The country is ravaged by the Great Depression, when people lost jobs, homes, businesses, and farms. Certain races, cultures, and faiths were outrageously persecuted. Anna’s father came to America, saved money and sent enough for half the fare for her family to immigrate from Poland. They have not heard from him for six years, and they have been in America for four years. Mama is convinced Papa will come home any day, despite what people in their Jewish community have heard. Anna works in a garment factory and her next oldest sister recently started there.
Anna learns she is pregnant and her mother gives her one option, to go to Campbell Home for Mothers and Children in Manhattan. When she hears what happens there, she returns home, refusing to submit her baby to an uncertain future. She left her beloved family, including her sister and best friend Shayna. She is going to Chicago, where Papa was last rumored to have gone. Anna was denied access on buses due to being Jewish and hitchhikes towards Chicago. Through a God-set appointment, she takes room and board in Corbin, teaching six boys who either are orphans or whose parents could no longer care for them. Their guardian, Thomas Chandler, had sent them to a Catholic school until it burned down. The boys are his apprentice woodworkers, and he must to send them to the public school. One of the boys is black and unable to speak, and the public school refuses him. In a show of solidarity, none of the boys will attend if he can’t. Anna will tutor them until the remaining weeks of school are up. She also takes in mending to make some traveling money.
Anna and Thomas, despite their different faiths – she is Jewish and he is Christian – are attracted to each other, but she knows if he learns her secret shame, he will turn her out. The Klan is active in Corbin, and I learned that Jews and Catholics were included in their targets, not only African Americans. When some of the ladies discover Anna is Jewish as well as a Polish immigrant, she and young Samuel, who has begun to speak under her care and tutelage, are their targets. Anna and Samuel have grown close, and they are learning much from each other about the Lord. Until the day that she rescues a drowning child, and her soaking dress shows her shame for all to see. Including Thomas.
This novel is outstanding. While difficult to read at times, it is most worthwhile. I learned about a simple, yet very profound, faith from Samuel. Thomas and the Sisters are faith in action. The end is amazing, a true lesson for our country today. Are we willing to make a make a difference, one person at a time? Allow the Lord’s Word to give wings to our feet so that we don’t long to fly away, but rather have courage to stay? I highly recommend this to anyone who appreciates well-written Christian historical fiction and evidence of what God’s love can do.
From a thankful heart: I received a copy of this from CelebrateLit, and this is my honest review.
“We will never have unity as long as people demand sameness. Unity is not sameness, but oneness of purpose. But whose purpose? Who gets to decide?”
Camille Eide’s poignant and heart-wrenching story, Wings Like a Dove, swept me away and kept me riveted to the end. Set in 1933 when times were especially hard economically throughout America, this tale brought out not only the problems of poverty, but also those of racism and intolerance. Masterfully written and populated with colorful, layered characters, this is a story I won’t soon forget. Its rich imagery and impeccable historical detail, combined with tender messages of forgiveness, grace, and mercy touched my heart.
“Will we not all need mercy at some time in our lives? Mercy we do not deserve? It is a precious gift, and yet it is free. Everyone has the power to give it.”
The main characters, Thomas Chandler and Anna Leibowicz, endured much in their pasts, yet come together to try to help 6 orphaned boys. I loved Thomas’s kind, compassionate heart and Anna’s willingness to help others who were suffering, even though she had problems of her own. Samuel, one of the orphaned boys, was one of my favorite characters. He had wisdom beyond his years and had been traumatized over and over, yet his resiliency touched my heart. Anna’s friend Sarah was another favorite. Her courage and strength were inspiring. We all need a friend like Sarah in our lives.
This quote has a wonderful message for everyone.
“I think people dislike those they do not know because they cannot see the good in others. What if we choose instead to be blind to people’s flaws and shortcomings, and the differences we do not understand?”
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys excellent historical fiction. It has earned a place on my list of top reads of the year.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.