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Smiling Shelves

The Whistling Season [Review]

5/6/2014

4 Comments

 
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This is a book that I just randomly picked up off the library shelf. Sometimes those are the best ones. This book was so beautiful and so much more than I expected.

It’s the early 1900s in Montana. Paul’s mother has died, and his father has answered an advertisement in the newspaper about a housekeeper. Enter Rose Llewellyn – and her brother Morrie, who tagged along. Morrie ends up taking over the position of teacher for the one-room schoolhouse, where his talents as an unconventional know-it-all can shine.

Throughout the book, you come to love every single character, especially Paul’s youngest brother, Toby. What an adorable seven-year-old. Paul’s family has such a bond. Dryland farming in Montana doesn’t sound like much fun, but I would still put up with it to be part of Paul’s family, including Rose and Morrie. Ivan Doig paints a picture of a time when life was simpler and friends and family mattered more than anything. Doig’s writing, all around, is superb.

This is a truly touching book. The start may be a bit slow, but stick with it. If you do, these characters will stick with you for a very long time.

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4 Comments
Jade @ Bits & Bobs link
5/6/2014 03:21:52 am

I often find random library picks to be real treasures - as this sounds like. Also, books with great focus on character development tend to be instant favourites of mine.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this one.
:-)

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Julie @ Smiling Shelves link
5/7/2014 09:13:08 am

You never know what you'll find at the library. It's great when it works out so well, like this book!

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Joyful Reader link
5/6/2014 06:14:00 am

Just wondering why it is called The Whistling Season... I think my grandmother is in that season. She whistles ALL the time. {{sigh}} :)

Reply
Julie @ Smiling Shelves link
5/7/2014 09:14:26 am

That's pretty much it - one of the characters whistles a lot. It plays into the storyline a bit at the end. I know what you mean. I had a friend in college whom you could always hear coming because he whistled. :)

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    My name is Julie, and I own a lot of books. As in, they are stacked on the floor because I've run out of room on the shelves. And those shelves? There are so many books on them that they smile -- not sag; smile. This blog will cover book reviews and all manner of other bookish things.

    You can contact me at julie@smilingshelves.com.

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