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Mountain
Shadows
by Patricia Reiss
Brooks
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Amazon.com
Mountain Shadows is an unusual
novel in that the subject matter is one not usually dealt
with in most historical novels. The story follows the life
of Joe Devlin who makes a dangerous snowshoe trek through
the mountains in winter to reach his young wife who is "curing"
in a cabin in Saranac Lake. Apparently, it was a common practice
for families to send loved ones to spend months, sometimes
years curing or receiving care for the dreadful disease of
tuberculosis. Patients were often set out on patios for hours
at a time and sometimes over night if a particularly difficult
case was being treated. Many would die, away from families
and friends, hoping for the cure that would allow them to
return to loved ones and lead a normal life. While some seemed
to improve, others didn't. This story follows the adventures
of Joe and Alice. Joe is an unusual case in that he follows
his young wife to Saranac Lake to be with her and visit with
her during her months of curing. However, it is costly to
provide for Alice's care and he finds himself drawn into illegal
bootlegging as a way to make the extra money needed for Alice's
expensive cure. Joe is able to see his wife for only a few
hours each week and soon finds loneliness a constant companion.
Unable to kiss for fear of the disease spreading to Joe, the
young lovers must content themselves with talking. A definite
strain on their new marriage, but determined to win the fight
against the terrible disease, they keep on until they reach
the end.
I found this book to be really
memorable. The characters were not superhuman, but real people
with real emotional struggles and character flaws. I was able
to relate to the frustrations and fears that Joe had and with
Alice's desperation to be free of her dreadful disease. I
found the supporting characters such as Alice's room mates
to be interesting too. The two sisters who cared for the girls
at the home were memorable and quirky at the same time.
While I enjoyed this book,
I wouldn't say it falls into the same category as most Christian
fiction in that God is mentioned, but is not a present being
throughout the lives of the characters. I wouldn't categorize
it as "Christian fiction" but it does follow the
standard of little violence, foul language or immoral behaviour.
A good, clean read.
If you are looking for a
book that is historical, memorable, entertaining and makes
you feel - then pick up this book. It is not the usual historical
romance and I believe you will be refreshingly surprised.
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