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The secondary theme is the underlying religious attitudes of several main characters. Grandma Ellie talks about her family background, their German-Russian origin, and settling in North Dakota. Early on, she introduces Uncle Otis, a mysterious relative, a black sheep. Ellie’s dad, a man who believes in loving God in the countryside, not church, never wants to give up on Otis. Ellie’s mother believes in the established church and disapproves of Otis who can’t cope with life. Actually, Ellie only sees Otis three times, but learns about him in bits and pieces. She’s intrigued by conversations about Otis’ work in Montana and his ill-fated love for Maggie Vetch. Ellie’s accounts of an accident in the family car, Saturday trips to town, and a sleep over with cousins highlight the work ethics and religious attitudes of farmers. Her memories of suspecting hanky panky, playing spin the bottle, hiding in a tree, and kicking the kid who tried to climb it, also incorporate the community’s standards. Between explaining about immaturity, necking, and being called a tease in high school, Ellie describes seeing Otis before his death. He had a job, but looked like a bum who had given up on life. Information about Otis is put on hold when Ellie attends college, sorts out her “love” emotions, and learns college dating rules. The times required college girls to face and analyze their guilt feelings for even thinking the word “sex.” Doing so prepares Ellie for a meeting with Maggie, Otis’ true love, when she finally learns the hidden secret. Readers will take away from the book the same religious values they bring to it. Both those who condone and those who decry the era’s social upheaval will appreciate the author’s skill in writing historical fiction. They will feel they have spent an enjoyable afternoon listening to a friend. The book is an easy read, an enjoyable journey into the 1950's and a wonderful reminder of a past generation. It could also be valuable as a supplementary source for college or high school courses in sociology. Publisher: Dr. Mary’s Books |
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