On The Brink Of Change

The Gilded Curse by Marilyn Turk is a fabulous Christian historical novel that had me enthralled from the start.

Set in 1942 on the home front in America, the reader witnesses the fears and concerns of ordinary citizens. Germany was far away but still the threat of possible invasion seemed very real.

The novel is about loyalty. It has far reaching arms down the years. Kindnesses are not forgotten. There is the loyalty of God’s love. If we wander away, He awaits our return. Sometimes our wander away from Him is slow, so slow that until we are far from Him, we had not realised we were adrift. God longs to welcome us back home.

Home is another theme. Home is not bricks and mortar. Home is where people love us and we belong.

There is the subject of mental illness – a stigma in 1942 as it was not understood. It links to soldiers returning from World War I. Today we would diagnose PTSD but that was little known then. Nightmares were not understood.

Jealousy is a powerful force. Its actions are never commendable.

The novel has an air of mystery to it. The reader, along with the characters, tries to fit the pieces together.

1942 saw the world on the brink of change. People tried to hang on to the past. The reader is treated to a glimpse into the golden age of the 1920’s as some traditions are being preserved and privileges and wealth guarded. I loved the juxtapositioning of the old world and the new world yet to come.

I really loved The Gilded Curse. It was my first book by Marilyn Turk but I intend to read many more. A fabulous plotline. well executed, with endearing characters. Try The Gilded Curse today.

I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

JULIA WILSON