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Linda V. (Independence, KY)
Perfect timing!
This book draws you in from the very start. Rich in descriptions, you are drawn to the landscape and the characters´ lives. The characters are well thought out and developed and presented without prejudice. You get to see how people change their minds and opinions and what events shape their thoughts.
It does seem to mirror or parallel the change in political climate happening today. And helped me be more thoughtful before dismissing opinions out of hand.
I loved this book from beginning to end...even if it was a troubling end.
Bink Williams
Timely
I don't have much to add to previous reviews except to say that this was a very engaging novel and, of course, reminds one of today's political scene. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it for book clubs.
Gail K. (Saratoga Springs, NY)
A timely novel!
April Smith's Home Sweet Home is one of the most enjoyable novels I've read in a long time. As a fan of historical fiction, I especially enjoyed reading about the damage wreaked by the McCarthy Era, the John Birch Society and other extreme movements of the 1950s and 1960s. In addition to the history lesson, I became invested in the Kusek family and all they endured over the years. The changes in time periods helped paint a full picture of a Midwest family in the twentieth century. I have already given the book to my husband and will recommend it to members of my book group and to a group for whom I'm doing a
…more book talk in February. (less)Home Sweet Home by April Smith is a well-written story of a New York City couple and their two children. The family did not like the unfriendly New Yorkers. There was no backyard for the children to play in without constant adult supervision. Would another adult come to the aid and help an injured child? They also had no place to plant flowers or vegetables. Rapid City, South Dakota, became their new home sweet home on an old cattle ranch without many amenities. The Kuseks settled down, worked hard and made a living from the cattle ranch and the vegetables they sold. This took place during the 1950s and
…more specifically during the height of the Senator Joseph McCarthy fiasco. April Smith brought to life the fear Americans experienced taking place across America. The readers can feel the tension in the story and the awful things that happened. The hate and anger also carried over into the second generation of Americans. Some of the ranchers realized their mistake and made peace with the Kuseks. I remember those times and the story runs true. Home Sweet Home is a wonderful story about our troubling earlier times. (less)I wasn't sure where this story was going in the beginning. As the story progressed I was amazed at how similar this was to the politics of today. I realize that this is based on a true story and, perhaps, it is true that history repeats itself if we are not vigilant. This book was well written and not being familiar with the true story it kept you wondering what else could happen to this family.
Diane H. (Leawood, KS)
Engrossing Read
"Home Sweet Home" follows the lives of Calvin and Betsy Kusek and their children Jo and Lance.
As they undertake the difficulty of leaving New York City to take up farming in rural South Dakota,we, as readers, share in the story of their dreams, disappointments, love, politics, courage and commitment.
April Smith writes beautifully and I found myself totally engrossed in this story.
"Home Sweet Home" would be a great movie and will be a very satisfying read for those fortunate enough to purchase it
Laure R. (Fresno, CA)
GREAT READ
A young attorney and his wife make the leap from New York City to America's Heartland with their small children seeking a better, more wholesome environment for their family. The small rural community they settle in provides the very best and worst of both people and the land during the 1950's and beyond.
This author provides descriptions and voices to them all with great skill. The dialogues seem completely genuine to my ear. That is a rare and very pleasant experience for me having grown up in a similar place during the same period.
Based on a true story, the author provides a chilling picture of the Cold War
…more era, complete with the accompanying fanaticism and fears as the young attorney pursues a political career against powerful opposition. The resulting successful libel suit and, years later, the gruesome murders that occurred made this book impossible for me to put down. (less)I found this a very interesting story - I remember the days of the Cold War and the Communist fears - especially as carried out by Senator Joe MacCarthy. So many good people were injured during that time. The story of the Kuseks, their struggles, successes and downfall held my interest and I found myself rooting for them throughout. I think it would make a very good discussion book for my Book Club.
