My rating: 5/5
“Behind the clouds the sun is shining. If only we have eyes to see it” (Oma, All Manner of Things).
A phenomenally written story, All Manner of Things by Susie Finkbeiner, is a remarkable tale that weaves themes of forgiveness, family, loss, and love into a delightful narrative with a notable plot. Undoubtedly, this novel touches the heart of the reader and transcends the pages of the novel.
All Manner of Things is a coming-of-age tale that centers around the protagonist Annie Jacobson, as she is navigating life in the small town of Fort Colson, Michigan. The year is 1967, and America is experiencing frenzied chaos from the arbitrary treatment of American soldiers in the Vietnam War, the tumultuous race riots, the civil rights movement, and the evolution of a more liberal cultural society. Annie is a recent graduate of high school, who lives a simple life. She lives a comfortable small-town lifestyle with a simple diner job, engulfed in her love of books and reading, and surrounded by an endearing community and beloved family. A shift in her pleasant life occurs when her older brother, Mike Jacobson, unexpectedly decides to enlist in the Army. The constant communication of the Jacobson family and Mike through letters provides a sense of consolation and longing, as they carry an intense hope for his eventual safe return home. While Mike is away at basic training and eventually Vietnam, the Jacobson family experience a significant shift within their family dynamics, when the reappearance of a family member after 12 years absent, returns and induces forgiveness and emotional healing.
All Manner of Things is an incredibly well written novel. The story is character driven, with masterful character development. The author effortlessly constructed a novel with amazingly memorable characters and an even more inspiring plot. I was endeared to almost all the characters in the story. One impressive aspect of the novel was the inclusion of a minority character. David was described as a handsome African American young man who had recently moved to Fort Colson from Lansing, Michigan. I appreciated the inclusion of a diverse character that was well depicted, and respectfully mannered. The author captured the controversial time-period, as David experienced some racism in the small town. I admired the way in which the character respectfully and maturely handled the contempt of some of the residents. I also appreciated the welcoming presence that David received from a few townspeople, including the Jacobson family.
The story is well paced with short chapters, which made the book a faster read. The plot includes elements of Christian faith, which rendered an inspiring aspect to the story. I relished the inclusion of faith throughout the novel. The narrative included a supportive church community, as well as scenes in the story where characters prayed during challenging times and admitted to the presence of the Lord being a light in the darkness. Overall, the story was incredibly riveting, and hope filled.
I absolutely loved this story! The writing was beautifully depicted, and the plot was immensely memorable. This was my introduction to author Susie Finkbeiner, and it will certainly not be the last. If you are interested in reading a novel that centers on the love of family, the support of community, and the presence of unbiased love, I highly recommend this book!
Purchase it on Amazon! #CommissionsEarned
