"All Manner of Things" by Susie Finkbeiner is a poignant novel set in Michigan during the Vietnam War era, focusing on a family in a small town grappling with the effects of war, love, and faith. The story follows Annie, a young woman in 1967, as she navigates the challenges of her family's past, her brother's experiences in Vietnam, and the complexities of life in a tumultuous time. Through expert storytelling and well-crafted characters, the author captures the essence of the '60s with a raw and powerful narrative that delves into themes of family, war, faith, and hope.
The author, Susie Finkbeiner, skillfully weaves together the historical backdrop of the 1960s with a family's intimate struggles and triumphs, creating a compelling and emotionally resonant tale. The writing style is described as literary, with a perfect balance of straightforwardness and understated tone that leaves a lasting impact on the reader. Through letters exchanged between characters, Finkbeiner adds a unique touch to the narrative, offering a deeper insight into the characters' emotions and relationships, making the reader feel truly immersed in the time period and the characters' lives.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include themes of war, grief, mental health struggles, and family trauma, which may affect sensitive readers.
Has Romance?
There is a medium level of romance woven into the story, providing depth to character relationships and emotional connections.
From The Publisher:
When Annie Jacobson's brother Mike enlists as a medic in the Army in 1967, he hands her a piece of paper with the address of their long-estranged father. If anything should happen to him in Vietnam, Mike says, Annie must let their father know.
In Mike's absence, their father returns to face tragedy at home, adding an extra measure of complication to an already tense time. As they work toward healing and pray fervently for Mike's safety overseas, letter by letter the Jacobsons must find a way to pull together as a family, regardless of past hurts. In the tumult of this time, Annie and her family grapple with the tension of holding both hope and grief in the same hand, even as they learn to turn to the One who binds the wounds of the brokenhearted.
Author Susie Finkbeiner invites you into the Jacobson family's home and hearts during a time in which the chaos of the outside world touched their small community in ways they never imagined.
"Finkbeiner's characters believably navigate the emotional upheaval of war, and she skillfully depicts how the Jacobson's slowly open up to one another, emerging with greater strength, faith, and mutual respect."- Publishers Weekly
"The small-town experience and connect readers deeply to characters who cry, cringe, and are, ultimately, able to rest assured that all will be well."- Booklist , starred review
"Susie Finkbeiner's new novel captures that fraught time with beauty and gentleness. . . . A beautiful, arresting novel."- The Banner
What can you read after
All Manner of Things?
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