Thomson’s sweeping tale successfully transports readers to the Depression era to recount the story of one man’s journey to find his footing in a new land. Life was tough for the Scottish Sharp family at the turn of the century, forcing Robert Funkie Thomson Sharp to join coal mines with his father and brothers. But with WWI in full swing, Robert finds himself drafted and sent to the front. Trying to leave the trauma of the destruction of the war behind, Robert immigrates to Canada and then USA. But with the world markets struggling with the financial strain of the war, life for the newly immigrant Sharps becomes too difficult. Thomson’s writing is masterly, painting vivid pictures of the Sharp family’s intimate world of financial struggles, small victories and joys, and intermittent sorrows. She skillfully evokes raw emotions of insecurity, fear, resentment, uncertainty, grief, pride, and love as themes of determination, will, hard-work, and enduring relationships reverberate throughout the narrative. The ongoing family drama takes a back seat to Robert’s gripping journey to find a footing first in Canada and then in America. This compelling tale of human resilience, strength, survival, home, family, marriage, and immigrants forging their own places in the world will leave an indelible mark on readers’ hearts.
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Categories: historical drama, historical fiction
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