Long Way Home

GIVEAWAY

AUSTIN, LYNN

LONG WAY HOME

A young woman searches for the truth her childhood friend won't discuss after returning from World War II, revealing a gripping story of courage, friendship, and faith.

Peggy Serrano couldn't wait for her best friend to come home from the war. But the Jimmy Barnett who returns is changed so drastically by his experience as a medic in Europe that he can barely function. When he attempts the unthinkable, his parents check him into the VA hospital. Peggy determines to help the Barnetts unravel what might have happened to send their son over the edge. She starts by contacting Jimmy's war buddies, trying to identify the mysterious woman in the photo they find in Jimmy's belongings.

Seven years earlier, Gisella Wolff and her family flee Germany aboard the passenger ship St. Louis, bound for Havana Cuba. Gisela meets Sam Shapiro on board and the two fall quickly in love. But the ship is denied safe harbor and sent back to Europe. Thus begins Gisela's perilous journey of exile and survival, made possible only by the kindness and courage of a series of strangers she meets along the way, including one man who will change the course of her life.

My Review:

It's the night before this review is due to go up and I finished this book over a week ago but I'm struggling to find words to express the emotional impact it's made on me -- the sheer brilliance of the storytelling -- and the cunning twists and turns that made it such an absorbing read.

So, we kinda have two timelines...but not really. :-) Peggy's point of view from the 'present' (post war) and Giselle's point of view from the 'past' following her desperate escape from Nazi persecution  which starts at the beginning of the war, late 1930s. So really, our time jump is only the span of a decade. Does that count as dual timeline? Whatever 'Long Way Home' is classified as, it's an incredible read. 

And, oh, but it delves into some tough issues! Like:

The barbaric way returning soldiers were treated for PTSD. Honestly, what they did to Jimmy in the hospital was horrific and his doctor thought he was some superior know-it-all bent on inflicting torture on his patients. Gah! I'd have like to jump into the pages of the book and give that uppity doctor a taste of his own medicine. Literally!

That wretched time in history when countries, including the US and Canada, refused to allow Jewish refugees entry into their countries, knowing full well that they were likely sentencing these people to death since the ships had to turn around and take them back to Europe. And we're on one of those ships with Gisella and it's heartbreaking.

Then there's Peggy, 'safe' back home in small town USA only her childhood has been anything but ideal, neglected by her father after the death of her mother and ridiculed and taunted by her peers because of her circumstances. Yet Peggy found solace with Jimmy and his family and she isn't about to give up on her best friend when he needs her the most. 

It's Peggy's optimism and endearing naivety paired with a streak of tenacious determination to make a difference that propels this story forward. With all these heavy topics you'd think this would be a tough slog of a read, but it's not. It's uplifting and hopeful and infused with faith. And the way the author weaves all the story threads together is truly glorious.

If you're looking for a book club read with lots of depth and plenty of talking points, look nor further. 'Long Way Home' provides that and so much more.

Goal Update: #5 Diversify my reading.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy. Winner's choice.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Long Way Home, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday September 10 2022 . Offer open to