Beauty on the Backroads

Stories of grace for life's unexpected turns

booklook bloggers

A captivating historical: Review of Child of the River by Irma Joubert

Author Irma Joubert got my attention with her debut English-translated novel The Girl From the Train. (Not to be confused with that more famous book/movie Girl ON the Train.) Joubert’s books spotlight South Africa’s role in world events, like World War II.

child-of-the-riverThis book, Child of the River, encompasses some World War II history but focuses more on events leading up to apartheid. It is the story of one girl, Persomi, who grows up poor and white on a wealthy farm where her family are sharecroppers. Her brother fights in World War II and her friendship with the neighbor boy, Boelie, is tested when he joins an underground nationalist movement.

When Persomi is given opportunities to further her education, her world expands and she becomes a vocal proponent of justice among her friends and neighbors. She is on a lifelong search for her real father, and she is tragically in love with someone close to her.

Joubert’s writing and storytelling are beautiful and captivating. I knew little about the beginnings of apartheid and felt like I learned a little bit about that era of South African history through the eyes of Persomi. Joubert says her stories are based on true situations, which I love even more.

My only complaint is that the ending felt abrupt after so much buildup. And I won’t spoil that here. It’s a lovely piece of fiction, and an important work that reminds us of how devastating segregation laws are to communities.

While I did receive a free copy of the book from BookLook Bloggers, my review reflects my honest opinion.

Also, stay tuned. I have an extra copy of this book to give away after the holidays.

For the addict in all of us: Review of Coming Clean by Seth Haines

Addiction of any kind is not an easy topic for conversation, but Seth Haines draws us into one anyway with courage, vulnerability and grace.

coming cleanComing Clean is a journal of Seth’s first 90 days of sobriety from alcohol. But it’s also an outstretched hand of invitation to learn the way of inner sobriety from whatever dulls the pains of life’s hurts. (Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book from the publisher through the Booklook Bloggers program in exchange for my review.)

I wouldn’t identify myself as an addict, but Seth’s premise is that we’re all drunk on something. We’re all looking for something to numb the pains and realities of life. And after reading through his journey, I’m convinced that I have some work to do in my life. What do I use to numb the pain? What is my escape? And who do I need to forgive?

This is a hard book to read. It’s readable. That’s not what I mean. But it’s challenging and I found myself susceptible to tears for almost no reason after I finished the book. Without forcing it, Seth issues challenges through his own journey for all who want to live a life free and full of love.

I’m not sure I’ve read anything more vulnerable, and I’m not sure five stars is enough.

Having an addiction is one thing. Admitting it is another. Fighting through it yet another. And seeking the source, what’s underneath the addiction, is hard but gratifying work.

You don’t have to be an addict or love one to appreciate this book. But you just might find yourself identifying. Maybe there’s an addict in all of us. Maybe we’re all just covering up the pain.

There are too many coping mechanisms to list. You know this. Right?

The bottle is not the thing. The addiction is not the thing. The pain is the thing.

The jig is up. My cover-up  is threadbare. I can hide no longer. Not even from myself. (p. 71)

Approach with caution. Yet have no fear.