This book reminded me a bit of the older classics, such as East of Eden, Gone With The Wind, Centennial, and The Godfather. Appropriately sectioned into three parts, it begins by introducing the town through the character of a young boy. It then switches back twelve years to a young man forced to leave his home country and journey to America. The author develops his characters well and skillfully crafts these initial characters’ meeting in the small town. We learn about the town of Wellsville through childhood innocence, contrasting the mature themes of adulthood. I have to admit I was broken-hearted and tearful at the end of part one of this book.
Part two continues with the little boy, now a young man. A beautiful and touching romance unfolds between him and a young woman who becomes one of my favorite strong female leading characters. There is brutality with the actions of an early Black Hander; some scenes are not for the faint of heart. The end of this part is one of the best-written depictions of the horrors of World War One and it was another emotional ending.
By Part Three, as the torch is passed to a new generation, we witness the brave men of World War Two and the early role of women in the Women’s Army Corps. This was a significant moment in history, the first time women went overseas to serve in roles usually reserved for men. The book’s insightful portrayal of these historical events was enlightening.
This book is one of the best I have read in a long time. It is impressive and based on a true story. It has strong female and male characters. It put history in context with individuals lives delivering those facts interestingly and enjoyably. River Town Wellsville Ohio is a very well-written book that, in my opinion, deserves a place in the film world.
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River Town Wellsville, Ohio, is a book that weaves romance, sentimentality, action, adventure, and the darker side of human nature. In this saga, rooted in a true story, the author crafts a series of emotionally charged narratives that resonate deeply with the human heart, engaging readers on a profound emotional level. The book offers a deeply felt exploration of the complex personal lives of families across three generations, with each part dedicated to a specific generation, creating a rich tapestry of family dynamics that will deeply involve the readers.
Part One of the book is a captivating journey that transports readers to the early days of Wellsville, Ohio, a town steeped in rich history and industrial significance. It’s a tale of coming-of-age and childhood innocence that contrasts with adult themes. It also serves as a historical account, explaining the town’s birth and development. After a love affair, one family faces a heartbreaking incident while others mourn, all against the backdrop of a town coming into its own, evoking a strong sense of nostalgia for a bygone era.
Part Two demonstrates the town’s growth as the families’ lives drive forward. It describes romance, love, and the violent origins of the Black Hand, the predecessor of the American Mafia. It describes the surge of immigrants of the time and contrasts their hardships with those of early settlers. As the town of Wellsville continues to grow, the townspeople face the possibility of entering a world war. A nearby city’s Black Hand grows to become a family in the Cosa Nostra, the American Mafia. Part Two of River Town Wellsville Ohio culminates in the town’s participation in the Great War.
Part Three details the continuation of years of the families and highlights prohibition, the Depression, and Depression-era criminals. Many personal stories unfold: some humorous, others tragic. It recounts the worst flood in the town’s history. The winds of another world war stir and lure the townspeople once more. Part Three of River Town Wellsville Ohio climaxes with the third generation participating in World War Two and its aftermath.
Far from a quick read, River Town Wellsville Ohio is a deep and passionate saga that will not only captivate but also deeply involve readers from the beginning to the end. Many personal stories unfold and intertwine with others in this engaging book by the author of My Dream Lover. River Town Wellsville Ohio is a book for mature readers with parts that may be disturbing to some.
Reviews
M Safina