Gap Creek (1999)

The cover claims this is an Oprah's Book Club selection--I can't say I cared much for her choice.

The story is mostly about Julie Harmon Richards, and most of it takes place after she married Hank Richards. I admire Julie's work ethic and her ability to push forward no matter what discouragements life put in her path. I think Hank really loves Julie, but he's not always much of a husband to her. Though I realize that this was set in a time when women didn't have all the opportunities they do today, I have to wonder if Julie really was better off with Hank or if she should have left him.

Hank barely works in this novel--he has a job when they first get to Gap Creek--but as we later learn, he loses it when he hits a boss. I'm never clear on whether he really was searching for work or if he just assumed no one would hire him. He does go out an hunt occasionally and works around the house and farm at time, but most times we hear that Julie is doing the work not Hank in the narrative. I do hope he helped her with planting etc. I do wonder if they will make it as a couple long-term.

Hank also likes to blame Julie and call her names. Though I do think he had a right to blame her when she gave away Pendergast's money to a (probably false) attorney, he did not have to call her a stupid heifer. It's almost justice when Hank is also tricked into giving away money (to someone claiming to be Pendergast's daughter). One would think they'd have learned from the first instance to ask for proof. In fact, by the third time someone comes around claiming to represent the heirs, I have to wonder if he really is an attorney--though since he comes with the pastor, we have to hope he truly is an attorney representing the heirs.

I wondered if Hank was true to Julie. It sort of seemed like the author hinted that Hank might have had relations with Carolyn when she visited them and neither admitted it to Julie.

It's a shame that they have to leave after doing all the work to plant crops and put up provisions. ( )

When I first read this many years ago the hard luck and endless work were what stood out for me the most. This time what stood out was the wisdom and gentle humor about human nature along with the simple but eloquent wording, especially in the prayers. Sometimes the characters frustrated me and sometimes they broke my heart. ( )

I rated this 5 stars because of the way it was written and the twists in this couple's story. But if I have to rate the characters in this novel, I would definitely rate Julie 4.5 stars and her husband Hank only 1 star. This couple are two different souls who just hurriedly tied the knot without even has the slightest idea about each other. Hank was just strong in physique but not in the inside because of how he easily snap and breakdown during problems.

I know that other reviews on this book were not that good but for me, I enjoyed reading it. It shown us that marriage is not pure bliss and that couples must be headstrong and should help each other in times of struggles. And before I could forget, I was really amazed that a man written this because of how he portrayed women/wives stronger than them, guys. ( )

It would have been less painful to just slit my wrists and get it over with. Rarely have I read a more bleak book. ( )

Great read. I read this several years ago. Made me appreciate the blessings I have! Gave me an appreciation of people's true hardhsips. I'd recommend this book. I'll likely read it again. ( )