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Carry the World

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'Carry the World' by Susan Fanetti is set in the 1930s during the Great Depression in Kentucky, focusing on Ada Donovan, a young widow who becomes a Kentucky Pack Horse librarian to support her family and bring books and literacy to the isolated mountain communities. Ada's encounters with families like the Walkers, especially Jonah and his two children, Elijah and Bluebird, highlight themes of love, family, overcoming adversity, and the resilience of people during difficult times. The story beautifully portrays the impact of the Pack Horse Librarian Project in connecting isolated communities and the emotional journey of Ada and Jonah as they navigate grief, love, and the challenges of their time.

Characters:

The characters are richly developed, showcasing their vulnerabilities, strength, and the complexities of moving on from grief.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is elegantly crafted, combining emotional depth and vivid descriptions that immerse readers in the setting and characters.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers on Ada's journey as a traveling librarian and her connection with Jonah, a widower, amidst the struggles of life during the Great Depression in Kentucky.

Setting:

The setting immerses readers in the historical context of the 1930s, illustrating both the beauty and difficulty of mountain life.

Pacing:

The pacing balances a slow build in emotional intensity with significant plot developments, enriching the overall experience.

Notes:

The story is set in 1937 Kentucky during the Great Depression.
The main character, Ada, is a young widow working as a pack librarian.
Ada rides horseback to deliver books to isolated mountain communities.
The Pack Horse Library Project aimed to bring literacy and the outside world to remote areas.
Jonah, another main character, is a widowed father with two young children.
Ada forms a deep bond with Jonah's children and becomes a motherly figure.
The book explores themes of love, grief, and community support.
It shows the resilience of people living in harsh conditions.
The romance between Ada and Jonah develops slowly throughout the story.
Ada's job brings joy and education to the mountain families she visits.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers or content warnings may include themes of loss, grief, and the harsh realities of life during the Great Depression.

Has Romance?

There is a strong romantic element where the relationship between Ada and Jonah is central to the narrative.

From The Publisher:

Eastern Kentucky, 1937. After the death of her husband, Ada Donovan returned home to live again with her aging parents. She does all she can to help them keep the small family farm going. But times are hard, and there's never enough. During one of her infrequent visits to town, she sees a help-wanted notice for the Pack Horse Librarian Project, seeking librarians to ride up high in the mountains and bring books to the people there. Before her marriage, Ada was a teacher, and the thought of returning to the work she loved is impossible to resist. The mountains are her favorite place, books are her great joy, and her horse is her best friend.But not everyone on the mountain is happy to see her.Living in a crumbing cabin at the highest, most isolated point of Ada's route, there's a family that catches her attention. The father keeps to the shadows. There is no mother to dote on the happy, curious children. But soon Ada comes to love them just as fiercely as the woman they lost.And makes it her mission to bring them the world.

Reader Stats (3):

Want To Read (3)
 
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