Until I became a mom, I didn’t read much fiction. That’s when I learned that stories like C. S. Lewis’s and Roald Dahl’s can bring home lessons and things to ponder in a way that a mom’s words can’t.
Recently I’ve read grown-up books that do the same thing, calling attention to tough subjects like the humans who were affected by the closing of poor farms, aftermath of egregious decisions during the Vietnam War, the results of PTSD and the grittiness of policework. Novels are so much better in conveying these important stories than the news or a lecture or even history.
Because of the subject matter in these books, you won’t be surprised to encounter rough language.
The Weight of Snow and Regret by Elizabeth Gauffreau
For over 100 years, no one wanted to be sent to the Sheldon Poor Farm. By 1968, no one wanted to leave.
Amid the social turmoil of 1968, the last poor farm in Vermont is slated for closure. By the end of the year, the twelve destitute residents remaining will be dispatched to whatever institutions will take them, their personal stories lost forever.
Hazel Morgan and her husband Paul have been matron and manager at the Sheldon Poor Farm for the past 20 years. Unlike her husband, Hazel refuses to believe the impending closure will happen. She believes that if she just cares deeply enough and works hard enough, the Sheldon Poor Farm will continue to be a safe haven for those in need, herself and Paul included.
On a frigid January afternoon, the overseer of the poor and the town constable from a nearby town deliver a stranger to the poor farm for an emergency stay. She refuses to tell them her name, where she came from, or what her story is. It soon becomes apparent to Hazel that whatever the woman’s story is, she is deeply ashamed of it.
Hazel fights to keep the stranger with them until she is strong enough to face, then resume, her life–while Hazel must face the tragedies of her own past that still haunt her.
Told with compassion and humor, The Weight of Snow & Regret tells the poignant story of what it means to care for others in a rapidly changing world.
My comments: Remarkably written, this historical novel sets the reader into the lives of a dozen abandoned folks, cared for at a poor farm during the 1950s and 1960s. Caretaker Hazel brings her own challenging past to the job, but also her compassion, for individuals with such sad stories. Among several with mental health issues, some residents are profane, some funny, some bedridden, pointing out the difficulties Hazel and her husband deal with day in and day out. A temporary lodger is Claire, as a result of sorry decisions leading to the loss of her family. becoming “a trespasser in the land of other people’s misery.”
Here is Liz’s website and her Amazon Author Page.
Poetic Justice by Dan Antion and Willow Withers
I’m linking a recent blog post about Poetic Justice, which shares the stealth of the weaponry used in the Vietnam War and their aftermath in ways that the news never could.
The Lawman: Broken People by William Ablan
Broken People is about PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and the need to work through it. It’s also about policework, bad choices, family dynamics, and second chances. Here’s an earlier blog post about this story, which is more powerful than any discussion about PTSD.
William Ablan’s Event Horizon carries on the story of Sheriff Will Diaz. You might want to keep an eye on his website for the next book in the series, due out by the end of the year.
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My reading has become a mix of fiction and nonfiction these days. I especially enjoy historical fiction and stories about families. No surprise there, huh! What are your favorites?
We learn a lot from books, fiction and non fiction. I agree with your comments on The Weight of Snow and Regret. It brought so much to light. I was twelve when I read Gone With the Wind. I learned a lot about the American Civil War and the way of life in the southern states. I also learned to be careful what you wish for. I firmly believe that books have shaped my life. xo
You’re so right, Darlene!
Thank you, Darlene. When I read Gone with the Wind, I was shocked at how awful Scarlett was. The book did give me some insight into the rift between the North and the South, which has continued to this day, sadly.
Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres. Sometimes having more than one timeline in a book can be very confusing, but I liked the way Liz pulled it off seamlessly.
And brought to light a subject I wouldn’t have normally been interested it. Thanks, Pete!
Thank you very much, Pete. I put many hours into different versions of reverse outlining to get the dual timelines to hold together.
I read at least occasionally in most genres—but historical fiction is a favorite. I have learned so much from them.
I enjoyed your review of Liz’s book, Joy. Congratulations to Liz.
Thank you, John.
Thank you, John.
Thank you for your review of The Weight of Snow and Regret, Joy! I’m glad you enjoyed the book and learned from it. Photographs on the Library of Congress website gave me a sobering view of the experience of rural poverty in Vermont in the 1930s and 1940s. All farms were not created equal.
You’re right, Liz. I also appreciated your blog hops when the book first came out. Great backstories for it!
Thanks, Joy!
Thanks for the excellent review of Liz’s book, Joy. I will read it in the new year. I agree that fiction can illuminate subjects in a very personal way. A way that elicits a great deal of empathy. A wonderful historical fiction book I read recently (saw recommended on a blog) was “Saving Vincent” by Joan Fernandez.
Thanks, Eilene. I’ll check that out.
Thanks Joy. I’ve started working on the sixth novel called Dead Man, and a it’s told from Pam and RJs perspective. Call it a love story framed by a murder. We get to hear mroe of waht she went through.
I’m looking forward to it!
Thank you for sharing these books with us! Your review of Liz’s book is outstanding! 🙂
Thank you so much, Linda.
I agree with you about books, Joy, and how much we learn from reading. I read a variety of genres, and there is always a valuable tidbit to takeaway from each. Thanks for sharing your wonderful review of Liz’s book too. So well deserving! ❤️
Thank you so much, Lauren!
You’re welcome, Joy! 💞