This is my grandmother's favorite book. She wanted to share it with me, but since she loves this book so and can't part with her copy, she found me a paperback copy at a rummage sale. I admit, I looked at the cover and thought, "well, I'll read it if I have some extra time on my hands." Over New Years, I was quite bored and so I picked the book up. I couldn't put it down! Ms. Turnbull's writing, though the book was written in the 1920's, was captivating. The story of Jeannie could give any current historical fiction writer a run for their money. Absoulutely fascinating and endearing. I will be holding on to my copy for sure!
My most treasured book
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
I first read this book in the 1950's, as a young girl in Western Pennsylvania, and I have read it over again many times since. As I write this, my husband is reading the final pages...and he loves it just as much as I always have. Ms Turnbull's ability to eloquently and palpably convey the sense of place and time just leaves the reader breathless as he or she is transported there.Further, the author has an intelligent objectivity about the issues addressed, making no value judgments of her own and not leaving the reader with the sense that the author is leading to any ineluctable conclusion.This is a wonderful story! Read it! (If you can't locate a copy, try the Westmoreland County Historical Society in Greensburg, PA. That's where I purchased the two copies I have.)
Outstanding, to be treasured and reread often
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
This was my mother's favorite book when she was a teenager; she couldn't wait to have children and share the book with them. My sister and I have read this book three or more times apiece, it is that good, that heartfelt. It is timeless in its story of families, family ties, families coping with adversity. What a wonderful book!
A very Noble Book - One of Magnificient Proportion
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
Please, can this book be made available by someone who has it. I first read it over 30 years ago but I do need to recapture that divine feeling. I have searched many bookstores just to get another copy. It has rich memories for me.
One of the best books I've read
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
This is a book I have worn out at least three copies of. I think Ms. Turnbull gave a very moving description of Jeannie's life. When Jeannie's husband died, I cried. Again when Jeannie dies I cried again. The book leaves you wondering how people left their religion control their lives like it did plus gives you great admiration for how they stuck to their religion in the face of adversity. It lets you know how different members of the family react to strict religion from members leaving the family, others questioning religion to still others never being swayed by outside forces. The book starts with the birth of Jeannie, goes into her romance to her marriage and then the birth of her daughter Constance after the death of her husband. It picks up with Constance as a young woman and how being raised by three single women at the turn of the century affects this brave young woman. It ends with you wondering what will happen with the passage of time. I will always hope this book comes back into print so I can buy another copy and read it over and over again.
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