Reading brings you to time in history where you can live it in the lives of others even in a fictional historical setting. You learn something that history books cannot obtain, the human emotions and struggles that give you a better appreciation of that time but also a appreciation of the time we are in. Four generations of women, starting in the Civil War and ending in how women have the right to vote. Hannah a mother and wife of a farmer who had a black and white faith. She was a steam engine of faith that affected her daughter Bebe who during her life recalled her mother's example and struggled thru a difficult marriage. Followed by Bebe's daughter Lucy who was more influnenced by her father's mother who followed the Elite society of women but later learned that following Jesus was more fulfulling and her own daughter Harriet thru the generations before her, realized her purpose and God's goodness. The narration was done in a unique way that brought all generations together and how each woman was bound to the other in God's design. I was going to give this book a 3 rating, however, at the very end the author gave such a great lesson in the gospel. That all our good deeds and laws do not change hearts. The law shows how far our hearts are from God. For example the story brings out that after the civil war, drinking was a problem, leaving families without the leadership of the father. To be a good husband and father. Most of the money went to drink instead of the needs of the family. For today that may include gambling and now with the new laws in Colorado and Washington the legalization of pot. In the story and I think even now, christians need to be a voice of the dangers to family and community, however, we need to remember it is not the law that changes but a heart that is broken and has nothing left but the cross to go to. Anything else does not last. I hate rating a Lynn Austin book so low but sadly this book is not very good. It is highly confusing because it switches points of view mid-chapter and not subtly either. The book will shift time wise as well. Harriet was a fun character but she was never explored and Tommy was the nicest guy in the book. Their relationship was not developed at all either.Bebe was likable but she seemed to constantly preach. She seemed to be a rather bad mother as well and at times reminded me of Scarlett in Gone With the Wind with her mothering style. Hannah, Bebe's mother was terribly preachy and very judgmental. I really disliked her. Once she offers no sympathy when Bebe finds out her husband is an a lier and drunkard. She never lets Bebe stay for any length of time and acts like it is Bebe's fault for her husband's problems. Lucy, her daughter starts out as a butterfly but suddenly changes and becomes a suffergette. The change was too sudden to be realistic. This book is not very good and I wouldn't say it is worth the read unless you have some time on your hands.
What do You think about Tegen De Stroom In (2009)?
I loved this book! It was well written and so important to women's issues.
—heather
Wonderful easy read with some valuable life lessons!
—YoungGunz14
