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There are currently 41 member reviews
for A Fireproof Home for the Bride
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Susan B. (Rutledge, MO)
bit of a runaway train at the end -- but quite good
This was quite a good read. It started off pretty slow, but picked up speed eventually, to the point where I felt almost breathless at the end. There's a fair bit of understated-ness, and more disturbing events than I'd bargained for, but overall it was an engrossing, memorable book.
Most interesting to me was reading about the time period (late 50s), region (upper Midwest), and religious interactions and influences (Lutheranism, Catholicism) in the story.
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Elaine S. (Boynton Beach, FL)
A Fireproof Home for the Bride
This book didn't come alive for me until Emmy, the main character, decided to leave her strict, controlling mother and chosen bridegroom. Then almost too much happens! She finds new family members, a boyfriend and a job. From such a sheltered upbringing in the fifties to her discovery of racism in her own family and the town's dislike of immigrants she has known for years and worked with on the family farm, every page is a revelation for Emmy. I began to feel that the author crammed everything that was happening in that time period into Emmy's experiences until it became unbelievable that so much could happen to her and around her in the course of the story. She was a likable character, but I found it hard to believe that she could move so quickly from a planned life as a farmer's wife to a career that was very unlikely for a woman at that time period.
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Dorinne D. (Wickenburg, AZ)
Growing Up in the '50s in Rural America
I grew up in Midwest America during the time period covered in this book. So I could relate quite well to the people described as well as many events that took place in this novel. I was however unaware of the prejudices that Emmy encountered in her Minnesota community. Also arranged marriages like the one being foisted upon Emmy were not prevalent in my area. The characters in the story are quite well developed, especially Emmy. I found the story compelling as the author kept you hungry to know what was going to happen to Emmy next.
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Terrie J. (Eagan, MN)
Interesting read with surprising storyline
I really enjoyed this book. I didn't expect the Klan story line. I enjoyed reading about Emmy finding the strength to leave her family and then watch her find her independence. The Klan story line really enhanced her having to display her strength and independence during the 50s.
I thought Amy Scheibe did a good job of describing the tumultuous time period without graphically describing the horrid events.
I would definitely recommend this book.
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Christine B. (Lilydale, MN)
Secrets Abound
I enjoyed this book but I found myself becoming annoyed at the naivete of the main protagonist. It almost seemed incongruous that she would join the world of journalism considering her extremely sheltered life and all the family secrets she became aware of. That being said, it was a good and interesting read.
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Dianne S. (Green Valley, AZ)
Mixed Feelings
I chose to review A Fireproof Home for the Bride because I grew up in Colorado and Wyoming so I felt I had a feel for the area, I like the1950's and knew a little of its history, plus I liked the title. Well this book shared none of these preconceived notions.
While reading A Fireproof Home for the Bride my eyes were opened to the discrimination of immigrants, race, religions and of women in that region and at that time. I bounced from revulsion to disgust with only a slight feeling of happiness peeking in on occasion.
I think the book was well written and worth reading, but I certainly wouldn't recommend it to someone looking for an uplifting read.
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Kathy G. (Alamo, CA)
A Fireproof Home for The Bride
I enjoyed reading a story about growing up in the fifties. References to the music were fun and very enjoyable. The writer has a nice style and is very good at developing the story lines. I did find Emily a little problematic as Leslie G stated in her review. I agree that it was hard to believe that Emily had the personality or the experience to draw people to be so interested in her. This is especially true of the older newspaperman, Jim.
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