Heather’s Bookshelf: Between the Clouds and the River
Author: Dave Mason
Released: 09/09/24
Genre: Historical Fiction
“Because when you care about someone, you take the pain.
You don’t give it.”
“Between the Clouds and the River” is a dual timeline story. The first POV is that of Bernhardt Lang in 1943, a German POW during WWII. The second is set in 1965 and follows Joseph Holliman, a twelve-year-old boy living under the thumb of his abusive father.
Bernhardt utilizes his time in the POW camp to learn English, open himself to truths of the world, and look within himself for what he actually believes and wants from life. When released from the prison, he realizes he cannot return to his country. On his way into the unknown, intervening on an act of violence results in an unexpected partnership- and the possibility of a new life for them both.
Joseph finds himself in a little trouble and indebted to Frank Gardner., assigned to help him rebuild a shed. Initially terrified of the new and unknown situation, Joseph is surprised by the kindness he is shown. For one of the few times in his young life, Joseph sees that not everything in the world is as bad as he had been led to believe.
Trigger Warning: violence, child abuse, murder, racism, attempted rape, domestic violence, reference to Nazis (wartime)
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. The dual timelines are well-written and have very different tones between them. Joseph’s part of this tale is truly heartbreaking. The things he endures from his father are horrifying and unforgiveable. The position of power: father, principal, and preacher in combination with the evil that lives within this man are too much for anyone, much less a 12-year-old boy to overcome. Bernhardt’s isn’t exactly sunshine and rainbows, but it provides a levity that is greatly appreciated as well as a level of hope that shines through even the most difficult of times. The storylines eventually intertwine, though this is not evident until you’re a good portion of a way through the tale. The pacing is steady, though there were a couple of times that I really wanted to know what happened in a certain POV but the storyline had flipped. It’s hard not to give away any spoilers for the second half of the book, but I will say it was satisfying in every way- resolution, full circle truths, and character growth.
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
OVERALL REVIEW:
A found-family tale with heartbreaking events strewn throughout and dual timelines that push the story forward.
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Check out my interview with Dave Mason
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