Stories That Bind Us
A Novel
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5.0 • 1 Rating
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- $1.99
Publisher Description
Betty Sweet never expected to be a widow at 40. With so much life still in front of her, she tries to figure out what's next. She couldn't have imagined what God had in mind. When her estranged sister is committed to a sanitarium, Betty finds herself taking on the care of a 5-year-old nephew she never knew she had.
In 1960s LaFontaine, Michigan, they make an odd pair. Betty with her pink button nose and bouffant hair. Hugo with his light brown skin and large brown eyes. But more powerful than what makes them different is what they share: the heartache of an empty space in their lives. Slowly, they will learn to trust one another as they discover common ground and healing through the magic of storytelling.
Award-winning author Susie Finkbeiner offers fans a novel that invites us to rediscover the power of story to open the doors of our hearts.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Finkbeiner (All Manner of Things) examines loss and the solidarity of family in this stirring tale about a widow who adopts her young nephew. In 1960 LaFontaine, Mich., homemaker Betty Sweet is widowed when her husband dies of the flu. A month later, Betty's estranged sister, Clara, suddenly appears with her five-year-old, biracial son, Hugo. Clara, who appears to be suffering from the same mental illness as their mother (possibly bipolar disorder), is incapable of carrying for the boy and abuses him. Betty takes charge with an innate motherly instinct, teaching Hugo faith, giving him the freedom to be a child, and helping him escape the fear that living with an abusive parent can trigger. After Betty assumes parental responsiblities for Hugo, her broken upbringing her father died when she was a teenager, her mother was committed to a sanitarium is revealed through poignant flashbacks. Betty's supportive and caring in-laws, who own a bakery in town, strike a stark contrast, imparting a clear moral to the story: unconditional and selfless love heals. Readers of historical inspirationals will enjoy this gratifying story.
Customer Reviews
I recommend this book!
Stories That Bind Us is a heartwarming historical novel that takes place in the early 60s. The story touches on mental illness, grief, prejudice, faith and the powerful bonds of family love.
Betty is a young widow still grieving the loss of her husband when her long lost sister, Clara shows up at her door with Hugo her mixed race son. Struggling with mental illness Clara must depend on Betty for the stability her son needs. Through their trials, each sister must come to terms with her own issues, and find her way to wholeness.
The lives of Betty, Clara, and Hugo are intricately twined with the lives of their family. Each secondary character has a specific part to play in the healing process, and are well written with their own distinct personality and purpose.
If you’re tired of fluff, and want a book of substance, this book is for you. One of the best I’ve read this year.
I was given a copy of this book courtesy of Baker Publishing Group by Interviews and Reviews through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion of the book.