by Rosalyn Queen
Well, here is the book review I promised several weeks ago and Roz’s Book Club is happy to present this book. I am reviewing “Beyond that, the Sea” by Laura Spence Ash. This is a tender love story about a young girl who lives in England and is sent to the United States because of the war that has broken out in England. The main character in this book is Bea. She is an only child to a couple in England. Fearing for her safety, her mother and father decide to send her to a family in the states for her safety during the war. The book goes on to tell of her trip to the states and her adjustment to her new family.
Her new family is a father, mother and two young boys. The book becomes very interesting as she adjusts to a new way of life. The new mother falls in love with Bea and adopts her immediately as her new daughter. The story captures all of her adventures in the United States. It also captures her new life with a new family.
While she is living in the states, her father passes away and this becomes very emotional for her. She has become very adjusted to her new life, but yet feels she must return to her mother in England. The story covers her decision to return to England now that the war is over. It is heartbreaking for her new family for her to leave, but they adjust knowing that this is what she must do.
A very interesting part of the book is a chapter about the war, and the author has done a very unique research in including this in the book. It adds a very important part to the novel. This novel is full of forgiveness, heartache, understanding, and love.
You will enjoy every moment of this book from the first chapter to the end.
The author, Laura Spence Ash is a graduate of Rutgers University and she lives in New Jersey her essays. and book reviews appear in Plaughshares blog.
The New York Times book review says this novel “is rooted in the home front appeals of World War II but it’s also a timeless exploration of what happens to create a family, of how dreams can die and be reborn in surprising ways.”
Enjoy the book. It is available at our local libraries..
Just a brief note about our Italian Festival. I say it is one of the best in many years. Hats off to a hard working committee. Please continue to present this caliber of a festival. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I especially enjoyed the parade and everything that was done for the Senior Council. What a great way for me to end the festival, with Frankie Avalon.
I also want to report that my book Arriverderci was received well and I sold many. You can email me at spanishqueen86@aol.com. Book is 15.00 plus 4.00 for postage, mail to P O Box 4512, Bridgeport, WV 26330
Welcome to Fall and until next week “Now You Have Heard It Through The Grapevine.”
