Mourning Redemption

Sharon M. Clarke
The Peppertree Press (2006)
ISBN 097877406X
Reviewed by Beverly Pechin for Reader Views (2/07)

“Mourning Redemption” places the reader in the lives of a Welsh immigrant family, immediately bringing you in as "one of them" as you follow their lives. Triumphs and misery, happiness and fear, all a part of every day living are brought to you through the pages of this wonderfully written book.

The Evan's family begins their trek to a new world in the early 1900's when the father, Rhodri, makes the decision that it is time to leave their homeland. After his wife, Mari, has experienced many tragedies, the last being the death of her last surviving parent he realizes that even if she doesn't think it's necessary perhaps it's time to move on. He loses his job as a miner, giving them nothing to hold onto but each other and the decision is made to follow suit of many others of those days and go to America.

The family moves to a small mining town in Pennsylvania, where they quickly blend in with other immigrant families and settle into a life of normality. The author takes you through the many happenings of the days, from the sinking of the Titanic and how it affects the family and family friends to the World War, by weaving the bits and pieces of history throughout the storyline. Making you feel as though you are a part of their life, you rejoice in their small wonders and cry with them at their disasters. You realize the astounding difference that one family made in our world, making you realize that perhaps you too have made a difference.

My favorite aspect of the story is a young man named Orville who is basically an outcast to the small town, as both parents are simply nothing more than worthless drunkards. Orville gets just one taste of how a family truly should be when asked to stay for dinner with the Evans family and this one encounter remains with him for the rest of his life. To see how it truly changed the direction of this young man's life, creating a war hero and true gentleman by just this single encounter speaks louder than anything.

Touching, dramatic, simplistic and amazing, the author takes you through a passage of time when the world was constantly changing. Touched by the characters that she creates, so true to life and authentic, you will forever remember the story of the Evans family and the world around them. Absolutely one of the best books I've read in a long time. “Mourning Redemption” is one of those books that just goes along smoothly until you find yourself turning to the last page and thinking "Oh, I want more!"

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