Stories That Bind Us: A Novel

Stories That Bind Us is one of those books that lingers with you after you finish it. I thought it was well-written and captured the era. Significant historical events are included in this book including the assassination of JFK, Martin Luther Kings “I Have a Dream” speech, and an elephant that rampaged a city. The author touches upon the difficult subjects of depression, death, and racism. I thought she handled these sensitive topics very well. The present is interspersed with stories and memories of the past. We learn about Betty’s growing up years, how she met the Sweet family, her marriage to Norman, how much Mama Sweet meant to Betty, and other memories. It all comes together into one lovely tale. The Sweet family is realistic with their joys and struggles. They have a bakery in a small town where a chain bakery is trying to run them out of business. Pops Sweet is getting older and Albert still pines for Clara. Marvel and Stan are raising their mischievous twin sons who are kind to their grieving aunt. The stories that bind people together are their memories of loved ones and friends. I like how Betty’s make-believe stories fit into the book and how they help a frightened little boy. They formed a bond between Betty and Hugo. Hugo was such a sweet little fellow. I had to laugh along with Betty and Marvel when Hugo jumped into the mud pool with the twins. I thought the Stories That Bind Us is timely considering what is currently going on in our country. Stories that Bind Us is a heartwarming tale filled with hope, love, special memories, and family.

Stories That Bind Us By Susie Finkbeiner Betty Sweet's life is just about as close to perfect as it could be. She's married to her first and only love, Norman. But all of that changes when she is left a widow at 40 years of age. Lost in her grief she cuts herself from her life until her sister-in-law won't take no for an answer and helps her see that the rest of the family is hurting too. Just because Norman died doesn't mean Betty is no longer part of the Sweet family. When Betty's long-estranged sister Clara returns, parts of Betty's past return to her. Memories of her mother and the darkness she often found herself in. Memories of her childhood with Clara. But Clara isn't alone, she has a son Hugo whom no one knew about. Hugo stands out in LaFontaine, Michigan as biracial persons don't call the small-town home. Betty almost instantly falls in love with the 5-year-old nephew she has just met. But she is concerned as Hugo shows signs of having a mother just like Betty's. Clara is slipping into a darkness and despair that she seems unable to pull herself out of. With love and care, Betty shows Hugo that love can be given freely and that accidents happen without outbursts of anger. As Hugo begins acting like a little boy instead of a careworn old man Betty finds herself dreading whenever Clara decides it is time to again leave home behind. The Stories That Bind Us is a beautiful and moving read about the power of family and the stories of our past that bind us together. This book is set in the tumultuous days of the 1960s - calls of equality, threats of war, and political upheaval with the assassination of President Kennedy. What seems so far removed LaFontaine finds itself becoming news that enters Betty's world when she is mourning her own private loss. Betty is about to become a fighter - fighting for her sister and the nephew she has come to love - inspired by a story she shared with Hugo of Clara's determination years before. Family and love are worth taking a risk for. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.