The Good Dream seems like another story about a small town in the south of many decades ago, but the author tackles the heavy subject of childhood abuse. The spinster in the town is the heroine of the story. She's outspoken, fearless without being overly brash, smart and funny. She knows how to stand up for herself. She's one of those rare human beings who will take action in the face of great injustice. Many in this town give lip service to being Christian (as many do even today), but when they can show compassion to child much in need of it, they don't, but she does.
The ending left me conflicted. I felt the biological father needed much more of a comeuppance. He got off way too easily. He isn't even public outed for what he did. He's even told he has to only ask for forgiveness once. What? Given the enormous injustice experienced by two characters thanks to his actions, there needed to be much more done by him to show remorse. I hadn't realized this was Christian fiction or I wouldn't have picked it up. It's predictable and the drumbeat of forgiveness is too heavy handed
VanLiere takes on very difficult subjects in a manner suitable for my teen to read this book. Excellent story. Who will speak for the children? This book is for anyone who has ever loved a child.
It was a hard story to read in places, but a necessary one. I loved the heroic heroine and the sad, lost little boy she helped and loved. Highly recommended!
