Official Review: Both My Sons by Ken Yoder Reed

[Kibet Hillary]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Both My Sons" by Ken Yoder Reed.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Fierce persecution, taxation, and other constant threats had forced many Mennonites to migrate to the New World. Klaus Grünewald, popularly known as Greenywalt, was among them. Life in the New World was peaceful. They did not have to conceal their real identity. However, the French and Indian war broke out in colonial Pennsylvania. The general forced the settlers to surrender their wagons and enlist their sons as soldiers as well. Greenywalt loved his two sons, but he loved the elder son more than the younger one. The elder son was illegitimate, and the other one was legitimate. Which son would Greenywalt surrender to the army? How did he end up siring an illegitimate son? How did the other Mennonites react?

Both My Sons is a historical fiction book that was authored by Ken Yoder Reed. The book was published in 2016. It is 424 pages long and consists of 30 chapters. The book is divided into eight parts that narrate the story through the eyes of various characters. The author loves writing and has written two other books.

Both My Sons is a fascinating and gripping book. The readers are instantly transported to various places in the story. The narration moves back and forth in time and thus generating a lot of suspense. Consequently, the reader’s interest is piqued. I did not understand how various subplots would connect together at first. To tell the truth, I never knew I would fancy reading this book as much as I did after reading the first chapters. The development of the plot was protracted, and there were very many loose events that I could not tie together. However, I could not put the book down once it picked up. The unpredictable twists and turns in the book made it even more captivating.

There is nothing I did not like about the book. The characters were brilliantly built. Klaus was an outstanding planner and a diligent worker. He had his own equal share of weaknesses, though. All the other primary and secondary characters were realistic as well. The conversations were equally lively. The plot was also unique and excellently developed. I also liked the allusions to stories and names in the Bible. They subtly conveyed precise meanings that Bible scholars will like. For example, Greenywalt’s son Bod was nicknamed Jehu due to his wild horse riding habit. His name also had a meaning.

The language employed in the book was straightforward. Editing was also professionally done. I found only one run-on sentence and three other grammatical errors. The key themes handled in the book included war, religious persecution, revenge, family, and forgiveness. This was a great book to read. I heartily rate it 4 out of 4 stars. I recommend the book to all fans of historical fiction books. Those who would like to learn more about the Mennonites can also pick this book.

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Both My Sons
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[kandscreeley]

I am curious about Mennonites, and this book sounds interesting. I like that it has different places, and you have to wait to see how all the characters combine. Thanks.

[Kelyn]

This book doesn't sound like one that is for me. I think all children should be loved equally. Legitimacy or illegitimacy should have nothing to do with it. He's the father of both boys, period. I'm afraid that just reading the review has raised my ire with this book. I think I'll pass on this one. Thanks for the review!

[Connie Otwani]

I like gripping tales. The plot twists are like icing on the cake. Thanks for the interesting review!

[Deprise Evans]

I have always been interested in the Mennonites and their way of life. This looks like an interesting historical read. Thanks for your great review!

[Cecilia_L]

I appreciate books that keep the reader engaged through suspense as you described. Thanks for the great review!

[gonegirl 2020]

I don't think that I would ever have chosen this book to read. I'd have to change my position on that thought. Your review has changed my opinion on the genre. Great review!

[Prisallen]

I would also like to learn more about Mennonites, and this book seems like an interesting way to do that, especially with good characters and a good plot. Thanks for the great review!

[Maria Esposito]

I'm glad you loved this book! The author seems to have done a good job at character & plot development as well as editing. Thank you for a well-written and interesting review.

[Sophy Chunge]

Seems like a nice book with a controversial theme that is sure to make some readers angry. I enjoy reading bold authors who don't shy away from making their characters imperfect and with a plot full of twists and turns.

[Nisha Ward]

I do wonder which son he chose and why. It can't have been an easy decision to make.