Every first Sunday in June, members of the Moses clan gather for an annual reunion at “the old home place”, a sprawling hundred-acre farm in Arkansas. And every year, Samuel Lake, a vibrant and committed young preacher, brings his beloved wife, Willadee Moses, and their three children back for the festivities. The children embrace the reunion as a welcome escape from the prying eyes of their father’s congregation; for Willadee it’s a precious opportunity to spend time with her mother and father, Calla and John. But just as the reunion is getting under way, tragedy strikes, jolting the family to their core: John’s untimely death and, soon after, the loss of Samuel’s parish, which set the stage for a summer of crisis and profound change.
In the midst of it all, Samuel and Willadee’s outspoken 11-year-old daughter, Swan, is a bright light. Her high spirits and fearlessness have alternately seduced and bedeviled three generations of the family. But it is Blade Ballenger, a traumatized eight-year-old neighbor, who soon captures Swan’s undivided attention. Full of righteous anger, and innocent of the peril facing her and those she loves, Swan makes it her mission to keep the boy safe from his terrifying father.
With characters who spring to life as vividly as if they were members of one’s own family, and with the clear-eyed wisdom that illuminates the most tragic - and triumphant - aspects of human nature, Jenny Wingfield emerges as one of the most vital, engaging storytellers writing today. In The Homecoming of Samuel Lake she has created a memorable and lasting work of fiction.
©2011 Jenny Wingfield (P)2011 Random House Audio
“Wingfield writes complex, believable heroes... with redemption trumping tragedies in scenes ripe with tension and dread.” (Publishers Weekly)
I enjoy mysteries, NOT thrillers, contemporary fiction, especially about diverse cultures, and sometimes history, if it doesn't involve too many dates. I often listen to a book multiple times, discovering unnoticed details in the retelling.
"One of my favorites for 2011...!"
I can't remember a book I've liked this much for ages! I listened to it several times, just to continue savoring each character and to enjoy the friendships and understanding which emerge. These are brave folks who we can learn from.
"A great read"
One of the best books I've read in ages! I'll be looking for more by Jenny Wingfield. The narrator was terrific, as well.
"LOVED LOVED LOVED this book!"
Near the top and I listen to lots of books.
On par with A Prayer for Owen Meany. Made me laugh, made me cry, made me want to seek justice against awful people.
Loved her narration and I'm a narration snob. Didn't use fake southern accents. Great job.
hmmmm...good question. Throughout most of the book I thought the title wasn't a good one. The book was about so much more than just Sam Lake. In my opinion, Swan is the strongest, most dominant character in the book. Maybe I would name it A Moses Never Lies
I highly recommend this, especially for readers who like Southern literature. It was hard to listen to at a times because the subject matter was so upsetting but it was a great book.
I love to be lost in a book, especially historical fictions. Listening to books through Audible let's me enjoy my escape so much more often than I normally would - running, driving, even getting ready for work each day - it's great!
"Wonderful and Moving Story"
This book was one of those that you get so involved on that when your not listening to it you are thinking about what's happening. It's very difficult in parts as it is painful - yet it is incredibly uplifting in others. It is a book I think can be enjoyed by many.
"Great Book and Awesome narrator!"
No, I don't re-read books because there are too many out there to read or listen to.
Swan. She was passionate about what she believed in and very caring, but also had a lot of sassiness to go along with good side.
The emotion in her voice. She made the characters come to life.
Yes....but it was a very long book