My Never Ending List

I almost DNF this novel as I didn’t like the narrator that read it to me. I thought her voice was flat and she carried no emotions as she read. I feel that I would have enjoyed this novel more had the narrator put some feelings in her voice as the story played out. I did enjoy this novel and the character of Grace really surprised me in the end.

 

Grace is content in her life with her husband and two small children. Grace loves being a mother and caring for her children but her relationship with her husband is another story. Their married life is missing the passion, love and excitement that it used to have. Grace misses these feelings yet it seems like her husband is fine with how their relationship is evolving. As I read, it felt as if this couple is just going through the motions to get through each day, doing their assigned roles.

 

When a massive fire hits their region, the couple is separated. The husband leaves to help combat the blazes while Grace stays home to attend to the children and their house. As the fire begins to reach their home, Grace realizes that she cannot stay in their home or they will die, so she starts to consider her options. I thought her plan of action was brilliant and as she cared for her children, I began to see how committed she was to her children. When Grace and her children are rescued, she tries to find the people who matter most to her: her husband, her mother and her best friend. Their family has nothing to return to as everything was destroyed in the fire so Grace must start rebuilding their lives, if they are to have any future. Grace doesn’t break down emotionally or physically because of their situation, she immediately starts planning and deciding what direction she wants to take. With her husband missing and other families in the same situation, Grace is resourceful and swift with her actions. When she comes upon Aiden, I was surprised at her actions. I realized she must have been battling a multitude of emotions but I thought ethics might come out on top. As she continues to rebuild their lives, her love for her children shines, her resourceful strengthens, and she begins to realize what really matters in her life.

 

I enjoyed the character growth in this novel. I kept reflecting back that his novel occurred in 1947 and as I read, my respect and admiration for Grace grew. She is almost a completely different woman by the time I read the final pages. This was an entertaining read, one that I am glad I read.