Can I let you in on a secret? I don’t like Amish fiction. Yeah. I don’t. That’s not to say I’ve never read Amish fiction that I enjoyed. That’s not what I mean. What I mean is that when I hear someone suggest a book and it turns out to be Amish, I tend to tune out. Most feel like the same story, rehashed, reheated, regurgitated. No. Thanks. Notable exceptions: things like Sarah Price’s “Amish Classics” and Mindy Stearns Clark’s Shadows of Lancaster County. I’m sure there are more, but those stood out as a bit more original in immediate retrospect.
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So why would I sign up to read Amish fiction with CelebrateLit if I don’t like it?
Well, there are a couple of reasons. First, I like to challenge myself. When someone comes recommended, even if it’s not my genre, I try to be willing to be proven wrong. Second, this was a bit different in that this book takes place in 1736 or 1737! So, I signed up when I saw the title come up. I’ve never read anything by Suzanne Woods Fisher, and it’s the second book in the series. So it was kind of the acid test of the idea, but I tried it.
And I loved it!
My review of The Newcomer:
The story takes place circa 1730, and because of that, you have a unique storyline. This isn’t your hackneyed “sweet Amish girl untainted by the Englishers and pure as the wind-driven snow.” Nope. Thank goodness.
This also isn’t yet another story about quaint Amish people in tourist Lancaster County. These aren’t romanticized by the people in the area surrounding them. It’s a little like a city full of Catholics and some Baptists move in. There’s a difference in theology, and they don’t want to be influenced by beliefs they don’t agree with, but they’re not so far removed from those around them that they’re considered “quaint” or a novelty.
Better yet, Ms. Fisher didn’t romanticize them in the way that much of modern Amish fiction does. These characters are sinners. They have pride. And they deceive. They try to live their faith, and they fail. Just like Christians do in every church in every town in America. Sometimes Amish fiction can feel like that–like the sins the authors reluctantly give their characters are token sins.
“She wanted to protest–to insist that she wouldn’t serve the mean sheriff who handcuffed the criminal and hit the man when the man tried to dive for his gun. No! Oh, but she must. She must! She must turn that other–“
Gag. You won’t find that nonsense in this book. Thank you, Ms. Fisher.
Add do that a well-researched book, and you have a compelling story that not once did I go, “Wait. That’s anachronous. They didn’t have wristwatches in 1736!!!” Considering that I almost always find something, I consider this important.
Word choice. Another of the problems I tend to find in historical fiction is that often the authors use words that either are too modern for the era or feel too modern. I think it happened a couple of times in this book because I recall having a “blip” moment where I was pulled out, but the storyline popped me right back in. I can’t tell you what they were. They were that minor.
However, there was one… Look, I don’t know when the old “glass half full or half empty” saying was first spoken, but it feels crazy modern. It jerked me out of the story so fast it wasn’t even funny. But really. REALLY? That’s the only thing that fully jerked me out? It’s pretty impressive, don’t you think?
And of course, the cover. Look at that cover. She looks Amish. Excess makeup that makes her look like an Amish cover girl? NOPE! Is she wearing makeup for the photo? Probably. But who cares? She doesn’t LOOK like she has mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, and lipstick. That’s not always the case.
But that isn’t anywhere near the best part.
In all great books, there will be a quote–one that just stands out from the rest and lingers in your heart long after you may have forgotten the details of the story. Often these quotes are life-changing in some way. Lawanna Blackwell’s Courtship of the Vicar’s Daughter taught me how to encourage people trying to make life changes to focus on today. Don’t try to change your life forever. Just focus on making that change today. Start over again tomorrow. And just worry about tomorrow… well, tomorrow.
This book has one of those enduring quotes. I wanted to share the whole paragraph because it’s that good.
But Felix had no doubt Bairn would know how to solve this problem. He could fix anything. He was a fine leader, his brother. Even Squivvers said so. The sailor told him that the best leaders were the ones who didn’t even realize they were leaders. “Good leaders don’t try to grasp it,” Squivvers had said “They live a life worthy of being followed.”
Does that describe Jesus or WHAT? It’s Mark 10:42-43 in 1736 or 1737 by that point?!! The quote is so good that I missed the mixed pronouns the first time or two. And while I generally don’t care about mixed pronouns when I’m just reading for pleasure, I root them out like crazy in mine, so I’ve gotten rather obsessive about finding them and noting them. I didn’t even see it this time. I liked the quote so much, I made a shareable image. Consider sharing. I’m sure the author would appreciate it. I know I do when people share mine!
Psst… isn’t that name, “Squivvers” AWESOME? I swear, I’d give this book five stars just for that!
Final thoughts?
Suzanne Woods Fisher really created a unique story with interesting twists and turns. The first book in this series, Anna’s Crossing, is probably equally excellent, and reading this book sold me on buying that one. Okay, the 1.99 price tag didn’t hurt either. I mean, c’mon. 1.99 for an excellent novel (as of 2/12/17). WOOT!
Usually, I’d offer this book four and a half stars. It was interesting, it had great plot twists, it wasn’t predictable or hackneyed, and the author managed to make me care about characters I didn’t even like. I really liked this book. I almost loved it, and Amazon’s star rating says 5 stars is for loved.
But even though I just almost loved it, I’m giving it five stars because, for Amish Fiction, I did love it. It’s the best Amish fiction I’ve ever read. I’m buying the first one. And, I’m waiting with both bated and baited (so please hurry and save my family death by halitosis, Ms. Fisher!) breath for the next. That means five stars in my book. Actually, thinking of it that way, I’d love to give it five and a half!
I agree that seldom do I read Amish fiction; I live in Amish country and most of it is a bad joke. My Amish friends heartily agree. Most people want to live their spiritual lives quietly and without all the commercialization with which the Amish live daily. It would be nice if they could get a break.
I read “Anna’s Crossing” and enjoyed it, probably because it took place in the 1700s. I will likely purchase this one because of your review. My take on the Amish book covers is that the person creating them knows nothing about the Amish, so the girls look like “covergirls” and the kapps are all wrong for the community discussed in the book.
I agree with you on all points! Even the men’s hats vary from community to community, but they’re blended all together.I do understand the notion of keeping the covers true to the spirit of the novel, but really, Amish are so distinct, that it really can be comparable to putting a Regency gown on a Victorian woman.
Off Topic: Chautona, I just thought of you a bit ago as I was enjoying a piece of See’s Candy. My oldest sister brought me a box of chocolates when she visited earlier this year. I wish they were sold here in Pa. Dutch Country. 8-(
See’s is THE BEST! mmmmmmmm
I would be thrilled to win a Kindle copy of THE NEWCOMER. I got ANNA’S CROSSING on my Kindle on a good sale over a year ago. I have been waiting for a sale for THE NEWCOMER but I sure missed the 2.99 price and I rarely buy Kindle books that are more than $4 or $5 so the current 8.57 price is outta my budget. I do totally agree with most of your comments about “predictable” Amish romance stories, and have about quit reading that kind. I was greatly intrigued by ANNA’S CROSSING because in my genealogy research some of my Amish ancestors also came to America on the ship Charming Nancy, so it made me feel almost like I had a historical connection. I thought it was a great story and want to read the rest of the series.
That is so cool that you have family who came on the Charming Nancy! I really liked the fact that we weren’t treated to yet another “W’re naive and pure. Aren’t we quaint” thing. I really think it makes the Amish out to be both less sinful (we’re all sinful somehow) and less intelligent than they are. They’re PEOPLE.
My favorite Amish novel? A series of children’s books (here are my reviews of the first three: http://learningresourcedirectory.com/?s=amish+frontier+series). Having grown up with many Amish friends, and homechurching for seven years with former Amish, I know what they are like and practically all Amish fiction makes me want to gag. If I see that kind of a picture on the cover of a book, I steer clear. You make me want to read The Newcomer, though.
I love Suzanne’s books and I have “Anna’s Crossing”! I can’t wait to read< "The Newcomer"! By the way, I am personal friends (She's another author.) to someone that is a direct descendant of someone that sailed on gthe "Charming Nancy"!
I live in Amish country and grew up visiting Amish relatives. I rarely read Amish fiction for many of the same reasons you gave. I spend the whole book cringing at inaccuracies. I did enjoy Levi’s Will by Dale Cramer because it is not the typical “Amish” storyline (and does not have a pretty Amish girl on the cover). But since I trust your recommendations I just might try this series.
I haven’t read that one either. Shocker, right? But like I told Laura, I’m convinced that I liked this one beecause it was actually historical fiction that featured an Amish character(s) rather than because it’s “Amish” fiction.
I agree that Dale Cramer is a wonderful author. Levi’s Will is one of my favorite Amish books, more accurate than most! THE DAUGHTERS OF CALEB BENDER by Cramer is also a good series of different Amish books, and based on actual facts. I thought the first one was the best, the 3rd one in the series I think was more fiction than actual fact but still interesting story line. SUTTER’S CROSS is one of the most memorable novels I think I have ever read. No Amish characters in it, but certainly challenging reading for any Christians! Chautona I think you might like it too.
I agree that Dale Cramer is a wonderful author. Levi’s Will is one of my favorite Amish books, more accurate than most! THE DAUGHTERS OF CALEB BENDER by Cramer is also a good series of different Amish books, and based on actual facts. I thought the first one was the best, the 3rd one in the series I think was more fiction than actual fact but still interesting story line. SUTTER’S CROSS is one of the most memorable novels I think I have ever read. No Amish characters in it, but certainly challenging reading for any Christians! Chautona I think you might like it too.
Oh, sigh. I don’t care for Amish fiction either, Chautona — for just the reasons you describe. Very gatifying to know that I am not alone! This book sounds really good.
So my favorite Amish books actually are Amish, a series of readers (Pathway Readers) that I used for my sons’ elementary English. We loved the winsome stories of rural life with wry, gentle humor.
I really think I liked this because it isn’t technically “Amish fiction” as much as historical fiction that has Amish main characters.
Right! Humans who happen to be Amish. 🙂