The story of a twentieth-century family whose lives are buffeted by personal losses, two World Wars, the Great Depression, and family tragedies and triumphs. The distant drumbeat of world events punctuates this fast-moving narrative from Robert M. Reece. In The Lewellyns from Vincennes, Jack, the patriarch, and his wife, Sarah, rear three children whose destinies are shaped by Jack's own failed aspirations and Sarah's steady determination and faith. Based on a true story and told by Jack's twin brother, Cyrus, this novel's tapestry is woven with inventive scenes and fictionalized dialogue. It is ultimately a story of redemption and resilience.
"I loved this book! A wonderful story of the lives of a family in the 1900s, punctuated by whirling events of world history. The characters come alive through Reece's narrative and dialogue, so that you feel both sadness and happiness for the main characters. Everyone will love Sarah, cheer for Martha, and waver through a myriad of feelings towards Jack. It's an interesting and enjoyable book."
-Judy Singer"This story ... brilliantly reflects the wider world by showing how wars and external events profoundly affect individuals and whole generations on a personal day-to-day level. It is hard to put down ... When one intimately feels tears of sadness and of joy, as well as emotions of jealousy, hopelessness, and relief, that come from overcoming impossible odds. This is a winner!"-James Liljestrand, MD