Every once in a blue moon a book comes along that can make you laugh in one sentence and the next have you crying your heart out. The Homecoming of Samuel Lake is one such book. I was surprised to learn that this was written by a first-time novelist because it is that darn incredible.
Samuel Lake takes his wife Willadee and their three children to his wife’s family reunion in a small rural town in Arkansas, leaving them with her parents while he goes to the annual Methodist Convention. Samuel expects to discover what city his family will move to for the upcoming year but instead is informed the Methodists don’t have a church for him – he’s too outspoken with views contrary to the average church, such as bringing people to church from the poorest side of town to rub elbows with everyday folk.
At the same time Samuel is discovering he is a preacher without a church, his wife’s family has a tragedy of their own during the middle of the annual reunion. This tragedy and the loss of a church home leaves the Lake’s at Willadee’s parents’ home. But the story truly begins when Swan Lake, Willadee and Samuel’s eleven year old daughter witnesses 8 year old neighbor, Blade, being abused by his father, Ras Ballenger.
Around the town, Ras is known as the devil – he is a cruel, evil man who enjoys beating his family into submission. Swan and her brothers become obsessed with saving Blade from the horrific beatings from his father. Enlisting the help of beloved characters like Grandma Calla and Uncle Toy, the Lake children spend the summer attempting to save Blade, break through the silent brick wall Uncle Toy has erected and figuring out where they belong in the world now that they are no longer “preacher’s kids.”
A beautiful book, both heart-warming and tragic – Swan has been compared to Scout from To Kill a Mockingbird and I would daresay the southernisms affectionately portrayed put me in mind of The Secret Life of Bees. Highly recommended.
To win a copy of The Homecoming of Samuel Lake leave a comment about your favorite southern fiction novel. Contest closes on August 5th at 11:59 pm. Winner will be selected and notified on August 6th.
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O sounds good. Great review.
This has caught me eye several times and the great reviews have been stacking up, but I am so worried about the animal abuse in this book that I haven’t tried to win it or buy it. I take it that the bad things that happen don’t detract from what is a really awesome book, so I will put my hat in the ring to win this one. My favorite Southern Fiction novel is The Improper Life of Bezillia Grove.
I love Susan Gregg Gilmore and both of her books had me laughing and crying all in the same breath!
And speaking of the animal abuse and child abuse AND spousal abuse in The Homecoming of Samuel Lake – it’s horrific, it’s despicable but all of it is dealt with in a sensitive and straight-on manner. I’d love to hear your thoughts about this book!
So many positive reviews on this book. I’d like to be counted if it is open to all.
Of course you can be counted in the giveaway! I appreciate you entering! And this one is a book I’d love everyone to read simply because the Southern culture is portrayed so magnificently.
Thanks for this great giveaway. A favorite Southern Fiction novel that was memorable was The Widow of the South.
that’s one I haven’t read yet! on my to be read list….must move it up to the top of the list with that recommendation
Everyone seems to love this book! It sounds right up my alley. I need to try to get to it soon.
it is such a great book – i’m surprised you haven’t read it yet and i’d love to hear what your reaction is! It does seem to be like one of those books you’d really enjoy. I’ll keep my eye out to see if you get to reviewing it!
This sounds like one that goes on my “must read” list!
oh yeah it’s that good! put it at the top of your must read list – you won’t be disappointed
I’ve been hearing good things about this book.
if you have any soft spot in your heart for southern fiction and coming-of-age stories then you’d be hard-pressed to not fall in love with this one
I love love love Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns.
Love, love, love Cold Sassy Tree! great pick!
Favorite would be Gone with the Wind.
would you believe i have not read Gone With the Wind yet…seen the movie about a billion times and have not one, but TWO copies of the book….it’s one of those chunksters I’m waiting to savor – kind of like Ayn Rand’s books
I so want to get my hands on this book!!! You meantioned two of my favorites – Mockingbird and Bees, but I also loved Big Stone Gap and Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt.
would you believe I have yet to read Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt?!? I even have it on my eReader but I’m playing catch-up with all the other books I have just to review. And was Big Stone Gap by Adriana…I can’t remember how to spell her last name….or am I getting this one confused with another “Gap” book – the one on Oprah’s book club?
Yes, Big Stone Gap is by Adriana Tri…I can never remember how to spell her name either
I think Oprah’s was Gap Creek? Cee Cee is a doll. I hope you like it.
I’m glad to see that you enjoyed this book as much as I did!
Thanks for being on the tour. I’m featuring your review on TLC’s Facebook page today.