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All the Forgivenesses
by Elizabeth Hardinger

Published: 2019-08-27
Hardcover : 368 pages
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A Publishers Marketplace Buzz Books selection

Set in Appalachia and the Midwest at the turn of the twentieth century, this exquisite debut novel paints an intimately rendered portrait of one resilient farm family’s challenges and hard-won triumphs—helmed by an unforgettable heroine. 
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Introduction

A Publishers Marketplace Buzz Books selection

Set in Appalachia and the Midwest at the turn of the twentieth century, this exquisite debut novel paints an intimately rendered portrait of one resilient farm family’s challenges and hard-won triumphs—helmed by an unforgettable heroine. 

 
Growing up on their hardscrabble farm in rural Kentucky, fifteen-year-old Albertina “Bertie” Winslow has learned a lot from her mama, Polly. She knows how to lance a boil, make a pie crust, butcher a pig, and tend to every chore that needs doing. What she doesn’t know, but is forced to reckon with all too soon, is how to look after children as a mother should …
 
When Polly succumbs to a long illness, Bertie takes on responsibility for her four younger siblings and their dissolute, unreliable daddy. Yet no matter how hard she tries to hold the family together, the task is overwhelming. Nine-year-old Dacia, especially, is resentful and stubborn, hinting at secrets in their mama’s life. Finally, Bertie makes the only choice she can—breaking up the family for its own survival, keeping the girls with her, sending the boys off to their grown brothers, long gone from home. 
 
Ever pragmatic, Bertie marries young, grateful to find a husband willing to take on the care of her sisters, and eventually moves to the oil fields of Kansas. But marriage alone cannot resolve the grief and guilt she carries over a long-ago tragedy, or prepare her for the heartaches still to come. Only by confronting wrenching truths can she open herself to joy—and learn how to not only give, but receive, unfettered love.
 
Inspired by stories told by the author’s mother and aunts, All the Forgivenesses is as authentic as it is lyrical—a captivating novel of family loyalty, redemption, and resilience.

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Member Reviews

Overall rating:
 
 
by Kelli M. (see profile) 08/03/23

It was an easy summer read

 
by cher E. (see profile) 12/18/22

Some editions of the book have discussion questions included in the back of the book.
I loved the book. I was interested to see where Bertie would end up, what kind of person she would becom
... (read more)

 
by Debbie H. (see profile) 12/15/22

The very best part was when they got the piano for Trouble.

 
by Brown Bag B. (see profile) 12/14/22

Interesting

 
by Peggy G. (see profile) 12/14/22

I was traveling through this same area while reading this book. I could see Bertie and how she lived as we traveled through Kansas

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