Until We Reach Home

Lynn Austin
Bethany House (2008)
ISBN 9780764204951
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (12/08)

 

Lynn Austin has written an exceptional story about three young women who have lost their parents, have no funds and are being taken advantage of by a devious uncle.

Elin, the older of the sister’s promised their mother she would watch out for her sisters. Little did she know that she would turn into a mother at such a young age. Her sisters, one a daredevil that trusted everyone and the other, shy and meek, were the joy of her life.

This is a story of their leaving their home in Sweden to live in America, where everyone said it was the “dream world.” Elin felt it was her responsibility to get her sisters away from the uncle who would take advantage of them in every way. The trip would be long, hard and scary at times.

Their first stop would be to Ellis Island, a gateway to America for immigrants. There they would be screened and screened for illnesses, and correct documents. While at Ellis Island, Elin becomes very sick with typhoid fever, which she contracted while caring for a sick family on the boat over. Kirsten, the carefree sister, is also isolated as they discover she is pregnant and not married. Their entrance into America is denied for the time being. Sofia, the youngest and shyest sister, is sent to live in a woman’s dormitory until a decision is made about her sisters. It is here that Sofia changes into a determined, strong-willed woman.

Having little funds once in Chicago, each of the sisters make arrangements to marry someone they do not love so all three of them can live together. It is not easy for any of them as now the sisters will be split apart; something that has never occurred since they were born.  In the end, they discover love and what it means to be home.

“Until We Reach Home” by Lynn Austin is a wonderful, enticing story of growing up, learning to love and appreciate what we have.

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