This is the compelling review of What Leora Never Knew: A Granddaughter’s Quest for Answers by author and photojournalist David LaBelle:
“When I finished reading What Leora Never Knew, I didn’t know whether to clap or cry. Internally, I did both. Knowing the details of what happened to each young pilot was sobering and sad. Yet, as truth often brings, there is a comforting peace in knowing the details about those we love and have lost.
“Like the Joads in Steinbeck’s Grapes of Wrath, we are introduced to the dreams, hardships and heartbreaks of Clabe and Leora Wilson and their children. After just a few pages, they feel like family, and the letters Joy Kidney recovered and shared, were written to us. And unlike fictional tales, these are true stories of love and courage of average Americans in the shadow of war and depression. A tireless researcher, Kidney has an unusual gift for sorting through thousands of letters, interviews and government documents and then weaving a story so personal it is as if we are sitting by a wood stove in winter listening to her tell it.
“I recommend you start at the beginning with Leora’s Letters and read each book in the order they were written.”
Photojournalist David LaBelle is the author of the poignant Bridges and Angels: The Story of Ruth, as well as several books on photography. Please have a look at his website.
He will teach a workshop next month at the Cedar Falls Christian Writer’s Conference.
I couldn’t agree more with David’s review. I’m glad to see that reviewers are recommending that readers read the entire series in order. Sharing to help spread the word far and wide!
Thank you so much, Liz. Clabe and Leora would be so grateful that their family sacrifice is being remembered.
You’re welcome, Joy.
I see Mr. LaBelle came to think just as I did for your books and your family, Joy. You deserve such a wonderful review.
Thank you, GP. I’m so thankful the family is being remembered. When I began thinking about the first one, it was because even local people didn’t know about what the family had been through.
Being the family historian is your legacy!!
It’s certainly turned into that, hasn’t it! Thank you, friend. And Grandma Leora wouldn’t be a bit surprised!
She knew her family, through and through!
Hugs for the love that flows in the review and the love that fills your books!
Thank you, Annette!
I suspect many of your readers will feel this series of mixed emotions. I could not help but put myself in Clabe and Leora’s position, wondering if you’ll ever see your sons again. Yet, it was also inspirational the way everyone banded together and lifted each other up.
Thank you, Pete. I’m still in awe of Leora, how she made a successful life for four decades after those losses. I’m exploring her dairies these days–she certainly stayed busy!
Yet another well deserved review! Somehow each reviewer gleans more golden nuggets from your books to the forefront-as did David. He has an awesome website with fabulous photos. Thanks for sharing his review and his information, Joy. 🙂
Thank you, Nancy. Dave is a terrific photojournalist. I’m drawn to what he writes as much as to his photos. I’m not much of a photographer but I’ve enjoyed his photo books because of what he shares “behind the scenes” that’s so compelling.
I agree. The dog mourning broke my heart.
Great review, Joy, and your books certainly deserve such positive recognition. 😊❤
Thank you, Tim. I just want the losses of those young men remembered.
Congrats, Joy, on this well-deserved review! 💞
Thank you, Lauren. Dave’s book is also about a terrible loss, although he wrote his as fiction and changed the ending. (And he’s working on a sequel!)