J's Pages

I confess that I'm a cynical man--all to quick to roll my eyes when stories start effusing about things like goodness and love. I'll usually skip any story that might make it to the Hallmark channel. That said, goodness and love are worth effusing about, and a good story can feature them without having to mix in a dark edge to the plot and characters. For example, you have this book.

Bright Valley of Love is the true story of Gunther and the place where he grew up. Gunther was born in Germany in 1914. He was handicapped, due in part to neglect by his birth family. When Gunther was seven, his family brought him to Bethel, a community for the physically and mentally impaired. In a world where disdain and neglect was common for many handicapped people. Bethel offered a loving community dedicated to physical and spiritual care for its members. The book takes us through Gunther's childhood, as he finds a new family at Bethel and thrives despite his handicapped body. The tale then goes on as Hitler gains power in Germany and Gunther and his brothers and sisters are threatened by the Nazi's twisted plan to "purify" Germany. 

I'm not sure how this tale pierced my cynical shell--maybe it was all the quoted hymn verses--but I'm sure glad it did. I may have to find a copy for my shelf. 

LibraryThing link

Labels: OnMyShelf

// posted by John @ 5:36 PM 0 Comments

I have neither read the original Pinocchio or seen the Disney adaption. All I know of Pinocchio is that he was a living puppet created by the woodcarver Geppetto, and was eventually turned into a real boy. Well, real boys grow up. For Pinocchio, adulthood means service in the first World War and a confrontation with the rising Fascist movement in Italy. That doesn't turn out too well and Pinocchio is forced to flee, staying on the move as a merchant seaman. In his travels over the years, he makes new connections, suffers new setbacks, and gains new skills. But then he finds himself seeking his father in Nazi Germany. (I don't know if Ms. Moon is trying to make a connection there, implying that Nazis are a bunch of puppets, or if she just wants to whack some Nazis.) 

I found it to be an enjoyable book. Pinocchio is a relatable character throughout. The first part of the book seemed a bit rushed, where the story lightly touches on the people he meets. I felt I was only told about the connections he made rather than being able to fully experience them. But eventually the book kicks into gear and the reader is treated to better developed characters and settings. Check it out! 

LibraryThing link

Labels: CheckItOut

// posted by John @ 5:25 PM 0 Comments