Official Review: At the Feet of Serenity by Eve Gwartney

Laksha Maria Charbel · Post by **Laksha Maria Charbel** » 06 Jun 2021, 20:24

Many thanks for the beautiful review of Eve Gwartney's memoir. This is an exciting find for me. I enjoy memoirs and the exceptional imagination on Gwartney's part, to make a connection between the Clayton family and the statue of Serenity is certainly intriguing. It was clever on her part to put together the pieces of her past and her father Henry's journal to turn this book into a tribute to her family. Looking forward to reading the book.

Harty Muli · Post by **Harty Muli** » 06 Jun 2021, 20:28

It seems like a book with a lot of symbolism I would want to read about. Thanks for the informative review.

Susan Kihleng · Post by **Susan Kihleng** » 06 Jun 2021, 20:29

This sounds like an emotional yet creatively-written story of one family's journey through heartache. I most likely will pass on this book at this time though due to the sensitive topic of loss and suffering. Thank you for the beautiful review.

Tock513 · Post by **Tock513** » 06 Jun 2021, 20:50

Thanks for the wonderful review!
This book sounds like an amazing memoir/story of this family. The losing of the Mother, the struggles of the Father raising his children without their Mom, the obstacles & tribulations they faced, ordeals they went through, etc. The statue, always being a symbol of the parents/Mom/family.
Introduction to their Mormon faith, and doesn't sound preachy or shoving religion down your throat. Sounds like it was introduced and defined in a classy way. (All of these assumptions I'm making after reading the review, so forgive me if in any way I'm completely wrong!) I'm guessing since this is explained in the book, that it was a crucial part of the story/family to include and in such detail.
I'm pretty 50/50 on reading memoir books. Usually only reading memoirs of people I know. Though thanks to the OnlineBookClub and their BOTD, I've expanded beyond people I know/famous people, being introduced to unknown non-famous people's life stories. Some have been interesting for me to read, others, I sadly pass on having no interest. Since I was generously gifted this book for free, I will check it out for myself. The worst I have to lose is a little time out of my day if I decide I don't like/enjoy or not interested enough in the book to continue reading it and finishing it.
Thank you again to the reviewer for their wonderful review if this book!

Fleurine_t92 · Post by **Fleurine_t92** » 06 Jun 2021, 20:56

I felt much from this book when I only had sample view. Now, I read you Review and it make me much thoughts in mind. I knew Henry couldn't stand for losing his beloved wife but the children were his duties to take care of. I don't understand why father ever need another wife to take care of his children and himself. The single mother can do this alone. At least the father and the man was the useless and weakess people around the world. That's my opinion.

Laksha Maria Charbel · Post by **Laksha Maria Charbel** » 06 Jun 2021, 21:06

Many thanks for the beautiful review. Eve Gwartney's

At the feet of Serenity

is an intresting take on memoirs. The connection between the Clayton family and the statue of Serenity imaginative. Although the storyline sounds like a lot of distress is involved, I would like to read this book for the impact the psychological dysfunction on the father Henry upon losing his wife and the effects of his parenting on the children and their lives.

Suzer6440 xyz · Post by **Suzer6440 xyz** » 06 Jun 2021, 21:38

I appreciate the tribute made to the Clayland family in this book. I enjoyed the review and usually I’m interested in memoirs, however, I may just skip over this one and hope others can enjoy it. Congrats on the BOTD

todwyer01 · Post by **todwyer01** » 06 Jun 2021, 21:47

From a sampling, this seems like an interesting memoir and the relationship the author's family and the statue of Serenity at Meridian Hill Park in Washington D.C. that started with her parents proposing at the feet of the statue. It might be worth a second look. Well done.

Miraphery · Post by **Miraphery** » 06 Jun 2021, 21:52

Losing his wife must have been hard for Henry, it took a toll on him and his family. The similarity between Serenity and the Clayland family piqued my interest, I'm looking forward to reading this. Thanks for the review.

Ts23 · Post by **Ts23** » 06 Jun 2021, 21:53

It was an heartbreaking family story where the mum dies suddenly and bear all the burden ,but the interesting part is that story is narrated by the last child who only got to know about the family through photos and letters and get to see how the child see and reacts to the situation of the family and them getting through the heartbreaking situation.

Miss_BeckyG · Post by **Miss_BeckyG** » 06 Jun 2021, 22:11

An intriguing memoir of the Claylands family whose lives were closely connected to Serenity, a statue placed in 1925 at Meridian Hill Park in Washington D.C. The heartbreaking loss of the author's mother, Grace, had a profound impact on her husband and family. Thank you for a wonderful review.

Julia Jackson 2 · Post by **Julia Jackson 2** » 06 Jun 2021, 22:15

I cannot wait to read this. I love that it is a true story but it isn’t a boring non-fiction that reads like a manual or biography. The story seems like it is heart-touching.

PeterRabitt20 · Post by **PeterRabitt20** » 06 Jun 2021, 22:21

It seems strange how the Claylands life events seem to parallel what happens to Serenity. How much does the author give it importance? It might be a coincidence. Thanks for the review.

Valkyrie9 · Post by **Valkyrie9** » 06 Jun 2021, 23:12

What a beautiful tribute to her family and to her mom, whom she never got to meet. I love the parallel the author draws between the statue, Serenity, and the family's journey. Thanks for the great review!

Post by **Kibet Hillary** » 06 Jun 2021, 23:22

I am always captivated by history. This book tells the struggles of Henry, and it will be good to read how his family was affected. I am adding the book to my shelf. Thanks for the review.