Et cetera : What We're Reading: Broken Country

Review of 'Broken Country' by Clare Leslie Hall

Frank always said that he had been in love with Beth since he was thirteen years old, riding the school bus. Frank and his younger brother, Jimmy, live in a cottage farmhouse with their parents. When Jimmy is only nine, their mother dies suddenly when an angry cow kicks her in the head. Poor Jimmy is never the same. By the time Frank gets around to asking Beth out for a date, Beth has fallen in love with the rich boy from Meadowlands.

One early summer morning as Beth is wandering around the countryside with, as she says, her head in the clouds, she literally runs into the young man next door, Gabriel Wolfe. He accuses her of trespassing on his private land; she laughs in his face. They argue, make up, and spend the summer together. They are young and breathlessly in love. After a series of unfortunate events, the romance is over. Beth marries her comfortable beau of many years, and Gabriel Wolfe sets off on his privileged life as a best-selling author.

Years later, as Frank and Beth finish supper in their cozy cottage, Frank spills the news he has picked up in the pub. "Gabriel Wolfe is back living in Meadowlands." Divorced, young son in tow, he still looks the same. It is far too late for Beth and Gabriel, but try as they might, those are only words. Does one ever really get over that first magical love?

When the gun fires, it seems like the end of a life full of surprises, jealousies and consequences. As you follow the ensuing heartache, trial and incarceration, hold onto the image of true love - no matter what!

This book was just a bit confusing but after a few chapters of skipping from present-day back to the beginning, some 10 years earlier, I started to understand the author's method and was able to read more smoothly. I also felt there were too many explicit sex scenes for the intended audience.

This book is available in regular type and large type at the Vinton Public Library and on Libby as an ebook and audiobook. Relax and read!