The time is 1932. Sophie's mama is about to have a baby. And her track record isn't so good. 3 crude gravestones in the field are proof of that. The family has 3 no name babies already!
Mama's sister, Aunt Rae, who has just arrived from Chicago, seems intent on making life miserable for Sophie. Their relationship has always been bristly but when Mama goes into labor prematurely the tension between Sophie and her aunt increases. Nonna (the grandmother who lives with Mama, Papa and Sophie.) safely delivers the baby but there are enough setbacks to crank up the stress level for both the reader and for the household.
But the real conflict is in Sophie's relationship with her Aunt Rae. At times, Aunt Rae actually opens up to Sophie about herself and how she lost her sweetheart to The Great War. But then, she slips back into her bossy, overbearing ways. She seems annoyed and even threatened by Sophie's special friendship with Karl, a neighbor boy. Sophie is ready for Aunt Rae to go home and leave her alone.
Instead she learns that Aunt Rae is the key to unlocking family secrets. And that's when things get complicated...
Nancy Bo Flood is the author of numerous books that reflect various cultures and world views. I'm lucky enough to have in my possession a copy of her WWII novel, Warriors in the Crossfire. I'm eager to move on to that! I'll give you a little preview when I'm done.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love novels that take me to another time and place. Nancy's writing is lovely!
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteVery good description of a very good book! Thanks for letting others know about both No-Name Baby and Warriors in the Crossfire, also excellent.
Really nice review of a really nice book. I enjoyed them both very much.
ReplyDeleteWow. Sounds like a great book. I'm going to look for it.
ReplyDeleteNo-Name Baby is a quiet and powerful book that stuck with me long after I'd finished it. Terrific.
ReplyDeleteJoyce, No-Name Baby sounds like such an interesting book, as does the other one in your possession, Warriors in the Crossfire. I have read about Nancy Bo Flood's upcoming workshop on war and child refugees, right up my alley, in Hawaii, but alas, as the Germans would say Ich bin pleite! (I am broke)
ReplyDeletefrom your review and the comments you received today, this book is going on my "to read" list right now! thanks for the recommendation.
ReplyDeleteI'm so thrilled that you featured Nancy Bo Flood on your blog, Joyce. I was supposed to feature her on my blog in Feb, but my blog has fallen by the wayside. :o/
ReplyDeleteI'm adding her book to my reading list. She's an author I hope to meet some day. Congratulations, Nancy!
Joyce,
ReplyDeleteThe book had my attention from the title. Thanks for reviewing another great read.
Linda A.
This sounds wonderful. I thank you --- not sure my long-suffering nightstand thanks you. :))
ReplyDeleteThank you, everyone, one writes a story, and rewrites, because of the people who have touched our lives. Through story we hope to extend this interconnection of human hearts.
ReplyDeleteNancy Bo Flood
This definitely sounds like a book with a great plot, Nancy! Thanks for sharing it Joyce!
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