In reading the author’s note at the end, it was interesting to find out the story is somewhat biographical. I think that made it a bit more impactful to me.
Francine Rivers covers three generations and several countries in this novel of family dynamics and why we sometimes act the way we do and treat one child differently from another.
The story center around Marta, beginning with her childhood and spanning the years through to Marta’s children having children of their own.
Marta felt driven and determined to be more than her father declared she would be. She sets out on her own to make her dreams come true. She does achieve some, finds love, and makes a life for herself.
Along come children of her own. She hopes to give them a better life. Because of her past, she wants her own children to be strong and independent. Able to stand on their own two feet. She doles out tough love, especially to her most sensitive child.
In all relationships, good intentions can have unintended consequences. Motivations can be misunderstood. We can never truly look at the heart of another and know the “whys” for their “whats.” That’s why grace is so important.
This books shows this in a moving and engaging way.
