Cleo Lampos

I read this book as I was simultaneously teaching middle schoolers about the Great Depression and they were reading Esperanza Rising; the parallels between the two were excellent.

The historical period was addressed from the perspective of those living in Dust Bowl Colorado as well as those passing through. Cleo Lampos did a great job making geographical connections and I felt I learned something as I read her story. The story was slower paced than I am used to reading, but that actually felt right, similar to the way storytelling happened in the Little House books. Life doesn't have an agenda, it simply unfolds. I appreciated that aspect of the story, that while there was a definitely plotline, it didn't feel rushed or too forced. I suppose that is also where faith entered the story. When lives are focused on trusting God for provision and direction, they can't be rushed and the direction isn't as certain as we would like to believe. My only real hangup was the relationship between Addy and Jess. It felt rushed and I think it would have better fit the story to be hinted at, particularly due to everything else Addy was adjusting to. But if I was able to connect with the majority of the other characters and relationships, this is well written.

I hope that Lampos continues to write, particularly this style of fiction where the focus is simply narrating a story and showing how not only circumstances, but also faith, might impact our own stories.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.… (plus d'informations)

I have not read too many pieces of fiction that deal with the Dust Bowl era of the West. This was a welcome change of pace for me. I already enjoy historical fiction, and this book has it in spades. What I find really interesting is how well the author uses her own family's history including boxes of letters spanning the years from 1930 to 1942. From these family heirlooms and legends, the author has crafted a wonderful work of fiction that places you right there in Colorado, on the edge of disaster, amidst people struggling for their lives. A nearly forgotten slice of history becomes alive.

Addy Meyers has just moved to Colorado from Topeka, Kansas to live with her grandfather and help him raise two young adopted children. Addy's grandmother had just died recently and her grandfather was getting older and struggling to keep his homestead in the black. So with that in mind, she took a commission to teach in the local one room schoolhouse. She hoped to help pay the bank note with her salary. Addy didn't know her grandfather very well, since her mother didn't visit him very often. But she was willing to help the family.

Jess Dettmann was also in the area for his own purposes. He owned dragline equipment and helped area farmers irrigate their fields and build storage cellars, something that was especially important during this time of drought. Addy discovered that he rents the cabin on her grandfather's property so she doesn't trust him at first. Men in her mother's household were dishonest, rude, and took advantage of her. However, over time she sees Jess as a person that was willing to help her grandfather and others, so she gives him a chance to build a friendship.

This author writes so well that I felt I was part of the family, living on a small homestead growing sugar beets, irrigating the farm, and being part of the small community, especially in the school. It helps that I had a grandmother who taught in a one room schoolhouse, that I'd lived for awhile in sugar beet country, and had a grandfather who dug his own irrigation ditches with his equipment. I've heard the stories and for that reason love historical fiction tales like this one.

There's also a touch of politics, issues that caused division among people in the area, bullying, matters of faith, the struggle to find hope and overcome discouragement. Here you beging to understand a depression era point of view. How did they survive? The book is loaded with poignant moments. It really touched my heart and fired my imagination. If this is something you would enjoy I highly recommend it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a review, positive or otherwise. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."… (plus d'informations)