Closing The Circle
The Return by Suzanne Woods Fisher is an epic Amish historical romance. It is the third book in the Amish Beginnings series but can be read as a stand-alone.
The Return is set in 1762 and the year is chronicled as the Amish continue to settle themselves in America.
Themes covered include identity, belonging and knowing whose you are. We all need to know and trust God. When we know Him, we can be secure, knowing that we have an anchor for every storm. Knowing our roots is important. “She gave her the history of her people.” We need to know where we come from and where we are going.
There are the themes of persecution and prejudice. All Native Americans are tarred by the same brush by some individuals whose hearts and minds are closed. There is a discussion about ‘half breeds’ who are neither wanted by their own tribes nor the white settlers. However the novel has a group of people who recognise that everyone is a child of God. “The worst thing is t’judge a man by the color of his skin.”
Nature exists side by side with settlements. There is a wild stallion who roams where he wants and cannot be tamed, although his trust can be earnt. This can be seen as a motif for God who cannot be tamed but longs for us to come to Him and trust Him.
The novel alternates between the Amish and the Native American way of life. Both have a simple focus, not being concerned with material wealth. The reader is educated in their lifestyles.
I really enjoyed The Return. It was a tale of adventure and the steadfast nature and goodness of God.
A powerful read.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
JULIA WILSON
The Return blog tour on Celebrate Lit