Wednesday, November 11, 2009

White Picket Fences Reviewed




Book Description: Amanda Janvier’s idyllic home seems the perfect place for her niece Tally to stay while her vagabond brother is in Europe, but the white picket fence life Amanda wants to provide is a mere illusion. Amanda’s husband Neil refuses to admit their teenage son Chase, is haunted by the horrific fire he survived when he was four, and their marriage is crumbling while each looks the other way.

Tally and Chase bond as they interview two Holocaust survivors for a sociology project, and become startlingly aware that the whole family is grappling with hidden secrets, with the echoes of the past, and with the realization that ignoring tragic situations won’t make them go away.

Readers of emotional dramas that are willing to explore the lies that families tell each other for protection and comfort will love White Picket Fences. The novel is ideal for those who appreciate exploring questions like: what type of honesty do children need from their parents, or how can one move beyond a past that isn’t acknowledged or understood? Is there hope and forgiveness for the tragedies of our past and a way to abundant grace?


My Thoughts: Susan Meissner is an absolutely beautiful writer. This is just the second book I've read of hers and I'm blown away each time. The cover was absolutely perfect for this book! So many live behind "white picket fences" hiding secrets that only make things worse not better. This is a story that brings darkness to light, and gives way to grace through forgiveness. It is absolutely beautiful and a must read! I give this a lighthouse and shine a light on it for pointing a path to God!

1 comment:

Pam said...

I enjoyed this book also. I did enjoy her first book, The Shape of Mercy, more, but I think it was because I like historical fiction better than contemporary fiction.

I've become a follower and am looking forward to reading your reviews.

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