My Review of Across the Winding River by Aimie K. Runyan

Across the Winding River

by Aimie K. Runyan

(Aug, 2020, about 300 pages, over 13,000 ratings)

I enjoyed this historical novel set for the most part in Germany during WW2. It starts out, however, in Southern California, 2007, when Max, now in a nursing home with failing health, begins sharing with his daughter Beth a bit of his heretofore unknown past. She brings him a box of his memorabilia and asks him about a war picture of him as a medic holding a beautiful, young woman who is obviously pregnant. This would not be her mother, of course, as Beth's parents met after Max got home from Europe.

It's a good premise and teaser. The author then takes us back in time to two other storylines that eventually come together - Max's days as a medic on the front lines in France, and a woman named Johanna, who is a pilot and engineer working in the Luftwaffe developing war planes for Nazi Germany. She is a reluctant participant in the war and her family story, with their uncertainties and reservations, is well told.

How Johanna's and Max's stories come together is part of the developing plot, so no spoilers here. Jewish ancestry plays a role, so there's a hint. Suffice it to say that the author did a good job interweaving these three stories (one modern and two historical) into an effective and interesting narrative. Once you get used to the time jumps and point-of-view changes, it's easy and enjoyable reading. In addition, the historical elements were well placed and referenced.

Now, for action lovers, this book begins without much fanfare - no 'in medias res' thrills and suspense here. But the slow and gentle pacing served the rest of the novel well. This is a drama slash love story, but not necessarily of the heart-thumping kind; the telling here is not rushed. Overall, a good technique. However, I felt that some of the intense and urgent scenes could have had a bit more punch to them. Plus, there were a few 'hmm, not sure about that' coinkydink moments. Still, the story was compelling overall and refreshing. Sad at times, but with a satisfying ending, which I was hoping for.

If you enjoy women's fiction and historical novels set against the backdrop of war, this is a good one. It's feminist in perspective, but not annoyingly so. (In other words, I didn't sense an ax to grind or a chip on the author's shoulder.) A good choice for a book club discussion, I think. For me, 4.5 stars and a nice break from my usual fare of action thriller and suspense. (FYI, here's my review on Goodreads.)

Amazon Affiliate Link to Across the Winding River.

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My 52 Week Challenge: Read and Review 52 Books in 2023 (Week 13)
(Books listed in reading order, not review order. And I'm behind, lol.)

1. Razored Land by Charles Gramlich - post-apocalypse (review TBD)
2. The Stroke of Winter by Wendy Webb - mystery (reviewed Jan 11)
3. Feast of Fools and Other Tales - S&S anthology (reviewed Jan 19)
4. Clovel Sword Saga (Vol 1&2) by Gordon Brewer - S&S (review TBD)
5. The Hike by Susi Holliday - mystery/thriller (reviewed March 7)
6. Valengetrix: Ghost of Aratania by J.R. Cason - sword & sorcery (reviewed Feb 25)
7. Swords & Heroes - Sword & Sorcery Anthology (edited by me! review TBD)
8. The Viking Gael Saga by J.T.T. Ryder - historical fiction (reviewed March 15)
9. Blackfoot Dawn by John Legg - a mountain man western (reviewed March 10)

10. Across the Winding River by Aimie K. Runyan - historical drama (reviewed above)

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Currently Reading...

+ Laws and Prophecies (Sword's Edge Book 3) by L.S. King (sword and planet)

+ The Troubleshooters by William W. Johnstone (western vigilenta justice)

+ Boy Battles Bot (Space Invaders #1) by A.K. Meek (MG sci-fi adventure)

On My TBR List...

+ XLZABK001 by Jon Zaremba (fantasy and sword & sorcery collection)

+ The Song of Sangr by Gustavo Bondoni (sword and sorcery)

+ Skallagrim - In the Vales Of Pagarna by Stephen R. Babb (sword and sorcery)

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In Real Life...

+ Going to try a different church tomorrow, more liturgical, near San Juan.

+ Then wer're going to check out the ferry that runs from Cataño to Viejo San Juan.

+ Getting the condo ready for both daughters and their husbands when they visit in May.

(Already bought a grill, some rooftop patio furniture, and items for the guest rooms. Still need to buy that stackable washer and dryer, but am hesitating since stores don't deliver to third floor apartments here! Yikes! So may just hire a guy off the street to help me carry them up three flights of stairs! lol)

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Weekend Blog Hops

+ Sunday Post from Caffeinated Reviewer

+ Sunday Salon from Readerbuzz

+ Stacking the Shelves from Reading Reality

+ It's Monday, What Are You Reading? from The Book Date

Drop a comment and a link to your blog and tell me what you're reading! Have a great weekend.

(This is Sunday Roundup #11)