There is no beating around the bush: this was an incredible book that had me avidly turning pages . From the Woodstock-like concert that kicks everything off to the final resolution, the plot never let up.
I especially liked how the author handled the reasons for why Vicki did what she did. This is a sensitive subject, and (taking the time period into account) I think it was an extremely accurate portrayal. Vicki’s character is written in a way that enabled her actions to be perfectly plausible while also allowing other characters to have reasonable reactions to her.
(I know that sounds cryptic, but you know how I hate to give away plot points)
On the flip side is Rachel, a mother who never gives up and learns how to adapt. I think she changes most throughout the book (although Mama Dixon gives her a run for the money). However, by the end, we see that Rachel is still the same nurturing, caring person who never gave up hope. That was a powerful message.
Mama Dixon was an interesting character as well. Her revelations regarding her own actions show the importance of forgiveness and taking other people into consideration. Although Rachel travels the longer journey, Mama Dixon’s transformation is more profound. She becomes the one person who can ultimately help Rachel.
I loved how the author plotted the passage of time. Even though there were events that were lightly skipped over, the pivotal events were detailed. This balance allowed the plot to flow smoothly to the end.
The only thing I missed in this story was a resolution to Murphy’s part in the whole thing. It almost seems as if the author forgot about him because he just disappears roughly two-thirds of the way through. He makes a decision about something that warrants further explanation, but then *poof* he’s gone. I definitely wanted more of a resolution for him, especially since a few of the characters were in the proper location for things to happen.
But to be clear, I didn’t want it to be over the top. Even a “near-miss” incident would have added an interesting touch to the whole story, and it would have wrapped up his part instead of just kind of leaving it.
Regardless, this was an excellent book that detailed the power of a mother’s love, with a few unexpected twists thrown in. It’s available now, so give yourself a treat and pick it up now!
Emily, Gone by
Bette Lee Crosby
My rating:
4 of 5 stars
It is very fitting that I read this book in one day on Mother’s Day because it is ultimately a study of the love a mother has for a child. I thought that the author did a fantastic job of laying out the plot, and there were enough gentle twists for it all to be plausible. I only wish that there had been more of a resolution with Murphy; it seemed as if he was just forgotten, and I would have liked to have seen him have some closure. Other than that point, I thought the dual message of hope and faith was powerful, and I loved how everything played out. I highly recommend this book. For some more in-depth thoughts on this novel, visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews. Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for a complimentary digital ARC.
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