(audio book: Narrated by Ali Ahn)
Whiter Than Snow is a novel set in 1920 that begins with tragedy. An avalanche buries nine school children, in the fictional, mining town, of Swandyke, Colorado. Only four of the nine children survive this horrendous event. The five who died are the children of Dolly and Lucy Patch, and their story along with the stories of other family members of the victims are linked together by this tragedy.
Lucy and Dolly Patch are estranged sisters, and adult daughters of a miner. Joe Cobb, a black man who came to Colorado from Alabama after much tragedy. Essie Snowball, a Jewish prostitute originally from New York, who dreams of a better life. Minder Evans is part owner of the mine; Grace is the wife of the mine manager. Each of these individuals stories are told as they are drawn together at the scene of the tragedy.
MY THOUGHTS: The author did a great job digging deep into the recesses of each of the characters in this novel. The importance of family and community is stressed. Long standing grievances that once tore people apart, now seem insignificant as the survivors are brought together by this terrible unforeseen event.
I enjoyed this author's books in the past, and once again she has written a story that leaves the reader with something to think about --- things sometimes do happen for a reason, although it often takes us a while to figure that out. If you have not read this author, give her a try. I enjoyed the audio version, as the reader did a great job. Recommended
MY THOUGHTS: The author did a great job digging deep into the recesses of each of the characters in this novel. The importance of family and community is stressed. Long standing grievances that once tore people apart, now seem insignificant as the survivors are brought together by this terrible unforeseen event.
I enjoyed this author's books in the past, and once again she has written a story that leaves the reader with something to think about --- things sometimes do happen for a reason, although it often takes us a while to figure that out. If you have not read this author, give her a try. I enjoyed the audio version, as the reader did a great job. Recommended
Rating - 4/5 stars - Library Book
I've got this one on the shelves. I have read her in awhile. Will remedy that soon.
ReplyDeleteI've never read this author, but I need to check out some of her books. This sounds really intriguing. I love it when books have very fleshed out characters.
ReplyDeleteThis does sound like a really complex read, and your synopsis makes me want to investigate further. I am so glad you enjoyed the book, I will be looking for it!!
ReplyDeleteHaven't read any Sandra Dallas but I love coming away from a book feeling like I really got to know the characters.
ReplyDeleteI've been wanting to read something by this author for awhile now. I am glad you enjoyed this one, Diane. It does sound good.
ReplyDeleteI just finished this one yesterday...will post my thoughts on Tuesday. I also happened to pick up one of her books, The Chili Queen, for 50 cents at my library too!!!
ReplyDeletethis is a new to me author but I would like now to get to know his work
ReplyDeleteI've read almost all written by this author and found most of them to be very good reads. I'm looking forward to this one. Glad to see you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteThis just arrived in my mail last week. I'm glad to know that I made a good choice!
ReplyDeleteI'll be reading this in a week or so having received it from the publisher this spring, and I'm glad to know that you liked it. I'll get back to you when I've read it.
ReplyDeleteSandra Dallas is on my list of new-to-me authors to read. thanks!
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