Helpful Score: 7
The story is set in the harsh farmlands of Minnesota in the early 20th century. Mary became the wife of Jonathan Gray and took up her life in the Minnesota wheat fields. They lived a quiet, placid, hard-working life working on the farm that Jonathan inherited from his parents. Jonathan's brother Aaron shares farming duties and lives in the house with them, since the house was his inheritance. They seem to have a satisfying life, but after 7 years of marriage, Jonathan and Mary still haven't had a child. Their childlessness starts to cause a strain on the marriage, and Jonathan finally realizes that the mumps he had as a child probably made him sterile. However, he is aware that his brother Aaron was not similarly affected by the disease. He suddenly announces to Mary and Aaron that he would like them to procreate to give him a child. Mary and Aaron are stunned by this news, and a previously happy household becomes strained and filled with unspoken fears and concerns. The relationships between all 3 of them becomes strained.Jonathan leaves for a weekend to purchase a prize bull to start a new herd, and the uneasy relationship between Mary and Aaron ignites into passion. The outcome is predictable, as Mary becomes pregnant immediately, and when she announces it to her husband, no one discusses the fact that the child is Aaron's. Mary is wracked with guilt, and her relationship with Aaron seems beyond repair.Without spoiling the ending, Mary finally learns the true meaning of love and is able to put back together the pieces of her life.
The author does a wonderful job of describing the rhythms of farm life, and the never-ending chores of being a farm wife. Although the role of women in the early 20th century was essentially subservient, Mary is truly a tower of strength and the one who makes the farm work with her never-ending toil. Reading this book will make you thankful for automatic laundry machines, microwaves, supermarkets, convenience foods and all the time-saving features of our lives that we take for granted.
The author does a wonderful job of describing the rhythms of farm life, and the never-ending chores of being a farm wife. Although the role of women in the early 20th century was essentially subservient, Mary is truly a tower of strength and the one who makes the farm work with her never-ending toil. Reading this book will make you thankful for automatic laundry machines, microwaves, supermarkets, convenience foods and all the time-saving features of our lives that we take for granted.
Helpful Score: 3
I used to read this author in high school, but this was one I had never gotten around to. For some reason, I just remember her stories being better than this and think my reading habits have seriously changed because this seem to be more my grandma's speed. (especially since I know Spencer is one of her favorites)
The writing style is slow and definitely not what I'd prefer to read even though the author has done her research on the type of lives that people lived during the era in which this book was set. The story seems to just plod along with day to day activities with characters that are not well-developed enough to let me empathize with them and their problems. It's really lacking when it comes to the emotional quality. I love a when an author's words are heart-breaking enough to get me to cry because then I know that I've been able to feel what the characters are feeling. This story was a bit stale and I had a hard time relating to their problems with them.
And, I know this is a spoiler, but killing off Jonathan was just too convenient. The foreshadowing made it obvious who the culprit would be, and I know I annoyed my hubby when I interrupted him in his video game to let him know what I thought would happen and then later on interrupting him while reading to say I was right. :P I was really disappointed that the author used such and easy way out of a tough situation.
Overall, it was just too bland and too predictable for my tastes. I may have like this author as a teen, but I've definitely grown out of her. This book has let me decide to not read any more of her books in the future.
The writing style is slow and definitely not what I'd prefer to read even though the author has done her research on the type of lives that people lived during the era in which this book was set. The story seems to just plod along with day to day activities with characters that are not well-developed enough to let me empathize with them and their problems. It's really lacking when it comes to the emotional quality. I love a when an author's words are heart-breaking enough to get me to cry because then I know that I've been able to feel what the characters are feeling. This story was a bit stale and I had a hard time relating to their problems with them.
And, I know this is a spoiler, but killing off Jonathan was just too convenient. The foreshadowing made it obvious who the culprit would be, and I know I annoyed my hubby when I interrupted him in his video game to let him know what I thought would happen and then later on interrupting him while reading to say I was right. :P I was really disappointed that the author used such and easy way out of a tough situation.
Overall, it was just too bland and too predictable for my tastes. I may have like this author as a teen, but I've definitely grown out of her. This book has let me decide to not read any more of her books in the future.
Helpful Score: 1
About this title: Jonathan and Mary Gray have been childless for seven years. The "fulfillment" of a forbidden attraction may bring the Grays the child they so desperately desire.
