All the Forgivenesses
Product ID: 277848554
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Perfect for readers of Demon Copperhead and inspired by the author's own family lore, this exquisite novel paints an intimately rendered portrait of one resilient family's challenges and triumphs—helmed by an unforgettable heroine—in Appalachia and the Midwest during the turn of the 20th century. Growing up on their hardscrabble farm in rural Kentucky, fifteen-year-old Albertina "Bertie" Winslow has learned a lot from her mama, Polly. She knows how to lance a boil, make a pie crust, butcher a pig, and tend to every chore that needs doing. What she doesn't know, but is forced to reckon with all too soon, is how to look after children as a mother should... When Polly succumbs to a long illness, Bertie takes on responsibility for her four younger siblings and their dissolute, unreliable daddy. Yet no matter how hard she tries to hold the family together; the task is overwhelming. Nine-year-old Dacia, especially, is resentful and stubborn, hinting at secrets in their mama's life. Finally, Bertie makes the only choice she can—breaking up the family for its own survival, keeping the girls with her, sending the boys off to their grown brothers, long gone from home. Ever pragmatic, Bertie marries young, grateful to find a husband willing to take on the care of her sisters, and eventually moves to the oil fields of Kansas. But marriage alone cannot resolve the grief and guilt she carries over a long-ago tragedy, or prepare her for the heartaches still to come. Only by confronting wrenching truths can she open herself to joy—and learn how to not only give, but receive, unfettered love. Inspired by stories told by the author's mother and aunts, All the Forgivenesses is as authentic as it is lyrical—a captivating novel of family loyalty, redemption, and resilience. Review: Favorite book of all time! - One of the best books I have ever read. Great writing, wonderful real characters, spectacular storytelling, believable dialogue. Unforgettable! Review: Well Written in Appalachian Vernacular - This book was very well written and the author did an excellent job with the Appalachian vernacular (I grew up there, so I’m qualified to make that assessment). Although accurately representative of life in the early 20th century, the story itself was somewhat depressing, as poor Bertie lived a life of tremendous hardship and sadness. I was very satisfied that it ended on a high note…
| Best Sellers Rank | #19,448 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #45 in 20th Century Historical Fiction (Books) #80 in Coming of Age Fiction (Books) #279 in Literary Fiction (Books) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.4 out of 5 stars 11,815 Reviews |
Y**E
Favorite book of all time!
One of the best books I have ever read. Great writing, wonderful real characters, spectacular storytelling, believable dialogue. Unforgettable!
S**B
Well Written in Appalachian Vernacular
This book was very well written and the author did an excellent job with the Appalachian vernacular (I grew up there, so I’m qualified to make that assessment). Although accurately representative of life in the early 20th century, the story itself was somewhat depressing, as poor Bertie lived a life of tremendous hardship and sadness. I was very satisfied that it ended on a high note…
C**S
The story is engaging from the very start!
I loved this book!! Three days in the same pajamas no housework got done because I couldn’t put down the book! Excellent story from start to finish. Now I must shower and change clothes.😊
A**R
interesting period in American history
Even with an inconclusive ending the storyline was informative about this period of American history. interesting read.
C**Y
Beautifully written
Beautifully written. The author delivered a thought provoking and tearful portrayal of real life, heartache, family and struggles in the early 1900's.
A**L
Beautiful story
I loved this book. I read it in about 5 hours. I couldn’t put it down. I cried all through it. As the oldest girl in my family I experienced much of her life and the same emotions.
C**.
Slow and Depressing
Birdies tells the story of her life. A life of hardship, guilt, love, loss, and survival. I was angry that because of her drunkard father, and her often "living in her bed" mother (Who died by her own hand.) Bertie became the caregiver to a growing number of siblings, as it was necessary. She did not go to school much as a result. When 16 yrs old Bertie marries Sam, whom she loves and he loves her, they take her sisters, Dacia and Opal, with them to raise. The twin boys go to live with Birtie's older brother and wife. In the years that follow, Birtie has a baby boy who dies early on. Then she suffers multiple miscarriages and is unable to have the children she and Sam had hoped to love. However, there will be other children for them. I found the book to be very slow, and depressing. I wouldn't recommend it to others.
C**N
Powerful storytelling
Powerful storytelling. From the beginning, I eagerly picked up the book to read every chance I got, and finally read for about four hours straight on a Sunday afternoon to finish it. I enjoyed this novel more than any I’ve read in a long time. Excellent prose, unforgettable characters and complex relationships from a gifted writer.
A**S
Absolutely loved this book
I loved this book. The story, the writing, the characters. I found I was genuinely invested in the characters and was reluctant to end the book and say goodbye. I immediately went to see if she had other books I could buy!
S**E
Too sad
a great story that held my attention from start to finish just too sad for my liking,
P**8
All the Forgiveness
This book was so emotional and sad I was going to put it down but I couldn’t,I had to know what happened to all of those beautiful children.I loved it
K**R
Excellent book. Could not put down.
Read if you can. Really makes you appreciate what you have Excellent book and well worth the time and cost
A**R
All The Forgiveness
This is a really good read..Bertie is the oldest girl child, who needs to look after the little ones as her mom is either sick or pregnant it seems . When the family moves she meets Alta Bea and they become great friends, when they go to a dance Bertie sees Sam, the man she knows she will marry
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