Elizabeth Hardinger

I didn’t enjoy this book, though I did finish it. I understand that the characters and events are drawn from real-life experiences within the author’s family, and I appreciate the honesty behind that choice. However, I never felt a sense of compassion or emotional connection to the characters or their circumstances. While the story may resonate with some readers because of its personal roots, it ultimately fell flat for me and was a difficult book to engage with on an emotional level.

Bertie spends her life being taken advantage of by her family. After finally breaking free and following her husband to the Kansas oil fields of the 1920's she is disappointed to be unable to have children of her own, but then three children appear on the train on day, including one with special needs. Bertie never catches a break and this book is depressing.