Shadow among Sheaves | 
“The sun was the same, but that was all. Blindingly hot, it hung low on the horizon as if dangled there by an invisible string.”
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“The sun was the same, but that was all. Blindingly hot, it hung low on the horizon as if dangled there by an invisible string.”
pickA brilliant allegory of the book of Ruth, it captures the reader from its opening lines with vivid and emotive writing. Knowing the narrative, I didn‘t anticipate the suspense created, it is a page-turner! Set in the 1860s, shortly after the revolt in India to British rule, the historical landscape is perfect for unpacking much of the trauma and healing the four short chapters in the Bible leave out whilst creating an amazing parallel.
pickI heard that this was a telling of the Biblical story of Ruth and Boaz, which was interesting enough. But to open it to discover that it's a retelling set in 1860s England where "Ruth" is an Indian woman had me so excited. I love the way this retelling brings the Biblical story to life in whole new ways. And the writing is phenomenal. Plus, the cover! ? Highly recommended!
pickMy favorite aspect of this novel is the realism: the depiction of 1850‘s British class systems & social hierarchies, the tension created between the hero and heroine due to societal constructs, the illustration of the backbreaking work communities did in order to bring in a harvest, & the loyalty exhibited between two widows trying to survive proves Shadow Among Sheaves is a well-researched, highly captivating story, one I will not soon forget.
pickWhile not perfect, this was a good story about a young Indian widow who leaves her homeland to travel with her English mil back to England. It‘s a story of the journey through grief, selfless love, determination, and prejudice (both racial and social). I admired the heroine‘s strength. But I felt the story was a bit too long and drawn out. 4/5⭐️
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@Eggs
1. Swaps, #penpal love, helping with #LitsyBirthdays and currently in #whodunitthesequel and #LitsyLove
2. I‘m currently surprised at myself for maintaining my patience and relative good mood while nursing a fractured ankle (week 5 and counting...)😳😜😩🤷🏻♀️
3. “Nell would accept the arrangement, though it still smarted to imagine her mother-in-law scrubbing floors in such a place.”
4. @eanderson are you there?
This one‘s billed as a beautiful allegory of the biblical story of Ruth and Boaz. And it‘s currently free on Kindle. 😊 Another lovely cover...I‘ve had a lot of those lately. ♥️ Out 4/1
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pickThe Great Rebellion of 1857 was remarkably bloody. At the time of the rebellion the imperial influence Britain had on India led to brutal clashes on each side. No one could understand why Reena, an Indian Woman would mary a British officer. They could not understand her decision to follow her Mother in Law to England after her husbands tragic death.
