| Category: | Fiction - Historical - Event/Era |
|---|---|
| Author: | Peggy Ann Shumway |
| Publisher: | Silveira Press |
| Publication Date: | June 13, 2024 |
| Number of Pages: | 383 |
| ISBN-10: | 1736087037 |
| ISBN-13: | 978-1736087039 |
| ASIN: | B0D6Q29L1C |
When a Stranger Knocks by Peggy Ann Shumway is a
gripping and intense novel that explores the life of a family living on a farm
in rural California during the Great Depression. ''In the aftermath of
tragedy, twenty-two-year-old Joaquina Souza must navigate a web of mistrust and
uncertainty as strangers arrive at her family's farm seeking work. Noah
Gabriel, a seasoned hobo, and his young apprentice, Michael McCallister bring hope
and danger to the Souzas' doorstep. As Joaquina's mother mourns the loss of her
husband and son, Joaquina and her brother Manny struggle for control over the
family and farm. But when a mysterious vagrant named Scout appears, the
family's fragile balance is shattered, threatening to destroy their last shreds
of faith and hope. Can Joaquina find a way to overcome her fears and doubts to
bring justice to those responsible for the tragedy, or will the unexpected
forces that swirl around her tear everything she holds dear apart?
Peggy Ann Shumway skillfully sets the tone for the story by
creating a sense of unease and tension through her vivid descriptions of the
setting and infusing the story with a strong sense of foreboding. The foggy
morning, the creaking of the chicken coop door, and the distant sound of a
freight train all contribute to an understanding of the feeling that something
tragic can happen at any moment. The reader is drawn into the world of the
Souzas, feeling their fears and anxieties as they await the stranger's arrival.
The characters in this book are well-developed and complex. Joaquina is a
strong and determined protagonist fiercely protective of her family. Her
mother, Mary Souza, is kind and generous, welcoming strangers into their home
despite their precarious financial situation. José, Joaquina's brother, is
brave and loyal, willing to risk his life to defend his family. The narrative
is suspenseful, and the author keeps readers guessing as they want to identify
the mystery surrounding the murder. The setting is finely drawn, and the author
provides details of elements such as soup kitchens, migrant workers, and
Hoovervilles, adding depth and authenticity to the story. The sensory details
immerse readers into the narrative and augment the story's realism. A
sweeping and delightful novel that examines a family's struggles and hopes
during the Great Depression, When a Stranger Knocks features everything
you’ll want in a well-crafted historical narrative —emotionally rich and psychologically captivating.
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