Long Way Home: A Poignant Novel of Courage and Compassion in the Shadow of WWII, (Paperback)

Wow! May I give this more stars as it shines brightly especially on shining the light on mental health issues. This is difficult to read in places as it deals with Jimmy's PTSD after WWII and the way treatment was done. My grandfather suffered through treatments like these and I wonder lots of times what he endured. I also felt it dealt with Peggy's mental health over losing her mom so young and how she was treated. I admired her strength in her faith that Jimmy shared and how she then returned helping him. I especially loved the split story of Gisela and her family's quest to escape the horrors of Hitler and how it was woven together until you found out how it connected with Jimmy. The two stories weave together like a beautiful tapestry that is perfect on one side but you see the knots and blemishes on the other side that created it. We see the ugliness of war and it's after effects but we also see the beauty for ashes that God gives in its place if we have hope and faith in Him. I shed many tears but was completely swept away into the lives of these characters. I devoured this novel and was sad when it ended. It's one of those stories that sticks with you and you are still thinking about it days later. I found it was gutsy of the author to tackle such difficult subject matter but as always she does it with style and grace. I like that she ties her stories up in the end but not in a perfect package but realistically. I highly recommend making this a must read. It just took first place in my top ten books this year. I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

In our world today, we are told if you can be anything, be kind. It doesn't matter what year, that statement rings true. Peggy is living a life both pre WWII and post WWII where she is looking for kindness. Little does she realize that her need for kindness would shape not only her life but the lives of many others. Peggy sets out on a quest for answers about herself, her neighbor and a young woman named Gisela who lives around the world from her. In her search, we see the story of lives forever changed. Join Peggy as she demonstrates courage and commitment in a time of suffering and despair. Once again Lynn Austin takes us on a journey through the years surrounding WWII. She addresses the catastrophic results of the war and the reach of destruction it caused. Woven into this story is not only the need for kindness, but an honest look at families, friends and faith as they strive to survive against a world so damaged by war. May we all have the kindness and faith of Peggy.