Review of The 13th of Summer
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Cristina-Ioana Toader
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Review of The 13th of Summer
[Following is a volunteer review of "The 13th of Summer" by Charlene Pratt.]
The 13th of Summer by C.L. Pratt is a deeply moving historical fiction novel set in South Dakota during the 1930s Dust Bowl era. It tells the story of Betty, a 12-year-old girl living with her struggling family on a farm. The narrative vividly portrays the hardships, including poverty, illness, and environmental devastation. Betty, who has epilepsy, shoulders significant responsibilities within her family, making her a central and empathetic figure in the story. The novel captures the essence of resilience and family bonds in the face of overwhelming adversity, offering a glimpse into a challenging period in American history.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I say this wholeheartedly: it was a captivating read. From the outset, the book draws the reader in, maintaining engagement throughout. Notably, the portrayal of children in that era is striking, illustrating how harsh circumstances accelerated their maturing, hardening them against a cruel, indifferent world. The aspect that resonated most with me, however, is the exploration of loss. The book delves into the profound impact of grief, particularly in men who are often expected to maintain stoicism. It reveals the depth of emotions like anger, hurt, and agony, which touch everyone - the diligent workers, the devoted family men, and those who love and cherish their children. Yet, despite their strength, they face tragedies. These are the "strong, silent men of the prairie." Most poignant is Lloyd’s realization as a teenager that these men, his models of stoicism, are also capable of tears. It’s a profound moment of human vulnerability that the author captures beautifully.
While I found no faults with the book, it's worth noting that the straightforward language used might be perceived as simplistic. This, however, is an intentional choice that reflects the setting in the 1930s rural South Dakota. The dialogue and descriptions are authentic to the era and location, contributing to a genuine depiction of the characters and the historical context of the story. Any perceived simplicity or minor errors in the language actually enhance the novel's realism and its immersive quality.
The novel is primarily intended for readers who enjoy historical fiction and are interested in the American Dust Bowl era and the Great Depression. Its detailed portrayal of the 1930s in South Dakota, combined with the challenges faced by the young protagonist, makes it appealing to both young adults and adult readers. The writing style is descriptive and immersive, with a strong focus on creating vivid imagery and emotional depth. The author uses a blend of detailed environmental descriptions and introspective character development, creating a rich, multi-layered story. This style effectively conveys the themes of resilience, family, and survival, resonating with the reader on an emotional level.
In conclusion, The 13th of Summer has been a wonderful read. The journey through adversity has left me deeply appreciative of the characters' strengths and their historical struggles. The book is emotionally impactful and leaves a lasting impression. I encountered no major grammatical issues, suggesting professional editing, which enhanced my reading experience. It deserves a solid 5 out of 5 stars for its vivid depiction of the Dust Bowl era and its deeply personal story, blending historical detail with an emotional narrative that transforms it into a relatable human experience.
******
The 13th of Summer
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The 13th of Summer by C.L. Pratt is a deeply moving historical fiction novel set in South Dakota during the 1930s Dust Bowl era. It tells the story of Betty, a 12-year-old girl living with her struggling family on a farm. The narrative vividly portrays the hardships, including poverty, illness, and environmental devastation. Betty, who has epilepsy, shoulders significant responsibilities within her family, making her a central and empathetic figure in the story. The novel captures the essence of resilience and family bonds in the face of overwhelming adversity, offering a glimpse into a challenging period in American history.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I say this wholeheartedly: it was a captivating read. From the outset, the book draws the reader in, maintaining engagement throughout. Notably, the portrayal of children in that era is striking, illustrating how harsh circumstances accelerated their maturing, hardening them against a cruel, indifferent world. The aspect that resonated most with me, however, is the exploration of loss. The book delves into the profound impact of grief, particularly in men who are often expected to maintain stoicism. It reveals the depth of emotions like anger, hurt, and agony, which touch everyone - the diligent workers, the devoted family men, and those who love and cherish their children. Yet, despite their strength, they face tragedies. These are the "strong, silent men of the prairie." Most poignant is Lloyd’s realization as a teenager that these men, his models of stoicism, are also capable of tears. It’s a profound moment of human vulnerability that the author captures beautifully.
While I found no faults with the book, it's worth noting that the straightforward language used might be perceived as simplistic. This, however, is an intentional choice that reflects the setting in the 1930s rural South Dakota. The dialogue and descriptions are authentic to the era and location, contributing to a genuine depiction of the characters and the historical context of the story. Any perceived simplicity or minor errors in the language actually enhance the novel's realism and its immersive quality.
The novel is primarily intended for readers who enjoy historical fiction and are interested in the American Dust Bowl era and the Great Depression. Its detailed portrayal of the 1930s in South Dakota, combined with the challenges faced by the young protagonist, makes it appealing to both young adults and adult readers. The writing style is descriptive and immersive, with a strong focus on creating vivid imagery and emotional depth. The author uses a blend of detailed environmental descriptions and introspective character development, creating a rich, multi-layered story. This style effectively conveys the themes of resilience, family, and survival, resonating with the reader on an emotional level.
In conclusion, The 13th of Summer has been a wonderful read. The journey through adversity has left me deeply appreciative of the characters' strengths and their historical struggles. The book is emotionally impactful and leaves a lasting impression. I encountered no major grammatical issues, suggesting professional editing, which enhanced my reading experience. It deserves a solid 5 out of 5 stars for its vivid depiction of the Dust Bowl era and its deeply personal story, blending historical detail with an emotional narrative that transforms it into a relatable human experience.
******
The 13th of Summer
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Deceptive Calm by Patricia Skipper
