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A Great Deal Of Ingenuity by Ruth Leigh

Jan30

Re-Imagining Characters

A Great Deal Of Ingenuity: A Collection Of Pride And Prejudice Stories by Ruth Leigh is a wonderful collection of short stories surrounding Pride & Prejudice.

Ruth Leigh has clearly immersed herself in the world of Jane Austen. She has cleverly imagined the background stories of the minor characters in the famous novel.

In the original book, these characters are just mentioned in passing, nothing is known about them – until now. Ruth Leigh has developed all the characters into fully-rounded individuals.

The stories are all written in the first person, enabling us to really get to know them. We see their interactions with some of the more well -known characters in Pride & Prejudice.

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The Family Behind The Walls by Shari J Ryan

Jan27

Pointing The Way Home

The Family Behind The Walls by Shari J Ryan is a powerful historical novel that gripped me from the start.

The book opens in Germany in 1942 as we follow six members of one Jewish family through the war years.

We witness the pit of hell that is Auschwitz and see that more than just hope is needed to survive, luck is needed too.

We also join the children’s camp and then a church-run orphanage.

It is important to have hope. “I need to give Lilli hope.” Without hope, the people perish.

We see the lessons of the past keep characters grounded and give them a purpose even in the darkest of times. “They may take my hair, but not Mama’s teaching to care, lead and be brave for those unable to.”  We need to be the beacon that shines in the darkness.

Within the pit that is Auschwitz, trust is in short supply. “We’re rewarded for turning on each other. Desperation can alter a person’s ability to navigate their morals.” People are exploited when they are at their lowest. An animal instinct to survive kicks in.

In contrast we witness a character who serves. “Hate is the only contagious disease that’s killed more people here than typhus.” We do not want to water the seed of hate but feed the seed of care and compassion.

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For A Lifetime by Gabrielle Meyer

Jan26

Trust Him

For A Lifetime by Gabrielle Meyer is an engrossing Christian timeslip novel that I loved. It is the third book in the Timeless series but can be read as a stand-alone. I, however, recommend reading the books in order so that there is continuity of character and an understanding of the backstories of those relatives who are mentioned in passing. The leading ladies here, made an appearance in book two.

All the action takes place in Salem in 1692 and in New York City in 1912. Historians will recognize the key dates and places. 1692 was the height of the witch trials in Salem. New York in 1912 was the destination of the ill-fated Titanic. The author has woven these key events into her story, along with actual historical figures, although the major players are fictional.

All the characters were well drawn and very believable. They were easy to empathise with.

The early twentieth century saw the dawn of aviation.  This features heavily in the book as we follow a female aviator in both America and across the sea to France in 1912.

There are hearts that help the marginalised. “If I can make a difference in the lives of the people who do not have a voice, then it is worth the risk.” Lives are placed on the line as every ounce of courage is needed and fears are faced.

We know that God is with us in our fears. “Let God take care of her… He always has and He always will.” Nothing that happens is outside of God’s control. “God has a plan… He doesn’t make mistakes – even if His decisions don’t make sense to us.” When life makes no sense, God is still on the throne. We can trust His leading.

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The Train That Took You Away by Catherine Hokin

Jan22

Holding On To Hope

The Train That Took You Away by Catherine Hokin is a powerful historical novel that I read in just two sittings.

The novel is set from 1936-1946 in Berlin, the seat of the Nazis power. There are also a few scenes in Blitz-ravaged London.

We follow three main characters all connected with the art world – a young female art restorer from England; a young artist; and a young mother who runs an art gallery in Berlin. The latter two are Jewish and their war is beyond horrendous.

Germany seems to be a civilized nation in 1936 as it welcomes people to the Olympics. The young art restorer declares in 1936; “The German people are too kind and too good to let hatred and prejudice swallow it.” Unfortunately, the German people were governed by fear and/or blind adoration as they believed the lies they were told.

Bit by bit the lives of the Jewish people were eroded until all their liberties and freedoms were gone. Those who remained in Berlin were said to be “invisible and we’re targets, and we’ve nothing to live on but bad food, fear and rumor.”

There is much heartache and sacrificial love as a character makes the decision to put her eight-year-old son on the kinder transport to England for safety. It is an emotional wrench and only the hope that she will see him again, keeps her going.

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