From the bestselling author of Tides of Honour and Promises to Keep comes a poignant novel about a young couple caught on opposite sides of the Second World War.
In the fall of 1939, Grace Baker's three brothers, sharp and proud in their uniforms, board Canadian ships headed for a faraway war. Grace stays behind, tending to the homefront and the general store that helps keep her small Nova Scotian community running. The war, everyone says, will be over before it starts. But three years later, the fighting rages on and rumours swirl about "wolf packs" of German U-Boats lurking in the deep waters along the shores of East Jeddore, a stone's throw from Grace's window. As the harsh realities of war come closer to home, Grace buries herself in her work at the store.
Then, one day, a handsome stranger ventures into the store. He claims to be a trapper come from away, and as Grace gets to know him, she becomes enamoured by his gentle smile and thoughtful ways. But after several weeks, she discovers that Rudi, her mysterious visitor, is not the lonely outsider he appears to be. He is someone else entirely-someone not to be trusted. When a shocking truth about her family forces Grace to question everything she has so strongly believed, she realizes that she and Rudi have more in common than she had thought. And if Grace is to have a chance at love, she must not only choose a side, but take a stand.
Come from Away is a mesmerizing story of love, shifting allegiances, and second chances, set against the tumultuous years of the Second World War.
World War II has hit the banks of Grace Baker’s small coastal town. Her three beloved brothers, have all entered the war against Germany. Grace has stayed behind to tend the local merchant shop she runs and assist her parents. A dance offers a reprieve from thoughts of the war and it is where Grace meets a handsome young man named Rudy.
The tale that unfolds is poignant, rich in history, emotions, and as relevant today as it would have been then. A character driven tale wrapped in history that makes you feel, think, and become fully vested.
Graham presents Grace and others with the impossible task of seeing past the ugliness of war. So often we paint with a wide brush when thinking of the enemy. However, it isn’t always easy to hate the enemy when presented with an individual.
The author showed us both sides of the war and the people caught up in duty, politics and customs. I found the information from Rudy’s perspective informative and a gentle reminder that everything isn’t always black and white.
Their situation felt authentic as did the character’s actions even as I struggled with Grace’s flip-flopping opinion regarding Rudy. It was interesting seeing different reactions from compassion to blinding hatred.
Graham’s stories lend themselves perfectly to audio. Michelle Ferguson narrates Come Far Away, offering unique voices and accents. I found she enhanced the story allowing me entry into the emotions of this small-town.
While the story is fictional, Graham weaved in Canadian history. It was as accurately as possible and clarifies any changes in an author’s note.
This is a standalone story but fans of Graham will delight in this new generation of Bakers. We meet the first in Tides of Honour. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Reading updates
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Started reading
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7 April, 2019:
Finished reading
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7 April, 2019:
Reviewed