Customer Reviews

Returning, The

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At it's heart, The Returning is a book about a family shattered by a father's alcoholism, and the struggle to put the pieces back together when he returns from a 5-year prison sentence. As usual, author Ann Tatlock brings much more to the story. She doesn't write with rose-colored glasses, which is exactly why I enjoy reading her work.

This is the story of a father's alcoholism shattering a family that struggles to put the pieces back together when he returns from five years in prison. When Andrea married John Sheldon she knew she loved him more than he loved her. In his five-year absence Andrea and their three children have adapted to a life without him around. His impending return from prison becomes as strong as another character is the story. Andrea is hopeful that John's return will bring a second chance for a happy marriage. While in prison, John commits his life to Christ and struggles to keep his faith. Andrea is skeptical of John's conversion. Will their future hold a happier marriage than they've known? Once again, Tatlock has developed characters that will stay with you long after you finish this compelling book. A good read.

I bought this book thinking that it would be a story about a man and wife but Andrea was the saddest and most undeveloped character in the book. I liked hearing about the children and thought they were great. In fact, way better than either parent. Andrea was the biggest doormat on the planet and I got sick of her and John almost never having a real conversation. I understand that this can be the reality of relationships so I guess it is just my personal opinion but I got so sick of the constant feeling that there was an elephant in the room. I thought John was horrible, incredibly self centered. I couldn't stand the woe is me strapped with Andrea who I just can't love even though I tried attitude. I didn't buy a second of his turn around in the end and was thinking there would easily be more affairs to come while Andrea stood in the background watching her life go by. I couldn't believe how depressed I was at the end of the book. I don't think I will read this author again.

I loved this character driven story by Tatlock. While it is Christian fiction it isn't preachy and the characters are real and deal with real issues that run counter to stereotype . Tatlock does a great job of bringing all the characters that populate this story to life. The most compelling character is Billy the son with Down Syndrome. Tatlock nails the tension that comes from the return of a long absent father to the routine of a household that has run without him and the resentment that comes from breaking that routine. A great read that tells a compelling story in an interesting way.

I read a lot of Christian fiction and a lot of itis so predictable, but not this book. The characters are complicated and real. The story is gripping,makes me think about just what the beginnings of faith might be. I'll be watching for more Tatlock.

`The Returning,' by author Ann Tatlock ([...]), deals with a difficult subject - the return of a husband to his wife and three children after five years in prison for vehicular manslaughter.

Here's the book trailer to this very compelling novel:

[...]

The book opens with John Sheldon being dropped off at home by his brother-in-law Owen; John would not be allowed to regain his driver's license for another year. His family is living in a small cottage on Conesus Lake in upstate New York. He is greeted by his loving wife, Andrea, and their six year old daughter, Phoebe, who has no recollection of his man, who scares her initially. Andrea has successfully held her family together during his incarceration - albeit not without problems.

The middle child in the family is sixteen year Rebekah. She had been the apple of her daddy's eye as a little girl. She rebelled and was very resentful of John after his drunken driving accident.

The oldest child of John and Andrea is Billy, soon to turn eighteen. Billy was born with Down Syndrome. Billy was the rock in Andrea's life; his eternal optimism and bright smile were everything to her, and sustained her over the years.

The author states that she based that character on actor Chris Burke ([...]Chris_Burke_(actor), who starred in the ABC TV series, `Life Goes On,' from 1989 to 1993. Chris and his mother, Marian, graciously read the manuscript and offered feedback. Chris praises the book:
"I was delighted to become acquainted with Billy in The Returning. He is a thoughtful, ambitious, and warm young man. Tatlock has successfully described the essence of a person with Down Syndrome. Great story!"

I couldn't agree more, Chris!

While in prison, John came to know Jesus as his personal savior. Here is how John explains the process:

Only after thirty-three months and probably a hundred talks with Pastor Pete did John realize there was something about the human heart that could make a man do even things he didn't want to do. Only after all those months of being locked up did he come to understand that there was something to the idea of good and evil, and if you didn't choose the one, you'd be chosen by the other.
That was when he surrendered, seeing himself for what he was and knowing he'd go on spiraling downward if goodness didn't intervene. God broke in then - safety net, savior, life itself. (p. 116)

As he returns home, the only other believer in the household is Billy. He took it upon himself to start attending church a couple years before - and He knows Jesus well! None of the other members of the family attend with him. Rebekah is openly hostile to his jail house conversion; she doesn't expect it to last. And she is being influenced spiritually by her wiccan friend Lena. Andrea is apathetic - as she seems to be about many things.

John has vowed, after the tragic death of the hitchhiker he had picked up, and then killed due to his negligence, never to touch alcohol again. He pledges to rebuild the relationships in his family which were so damaged by his actions. He's offered a job as a bus boy at Owen's restaurant - the same position held by Billy. It is truly a humbling experience for John, who struggles to provide for his family with that low wage.

Despite John's vow to restore his family, he made some poor choices, allowing his sinful nature to guide his steps. He succumbed to some of his weaknesses, potentially destroying that precious family structure.

John had a counseling session with the pastor at Billy's church, Pastor Larry. Larry asks John if he is familiar with a poem called 'The Hound of Heaven' ([...]) by Francis Thompson, who lived from 1859 to 1907. Larry explains:

"It's the story of Thompson's own life, how he tried to outrun God. He spent years running and during much of that time he was a homeless tramp, addicted to opium, which was the popular drug back in his day....
I believe God stayed with him, inspired him, used him even. (pp. 267-268)

I had heard of the poem before, but had never read it in its entirety; I decided to seek it out online. I spent many years running from God; He was relentless in His pursuit (thank you, God!). If you would like to read it, you can do so here ([...]).

The end of the book is highly climactic. I will not spoil it for you, but tragedy is averted and all - that's right, all - of the members of the family coalesce and realize the blessings that are theirs. I was highly satisfied and happy to read that conclusion!

This is my first encounter with the writing of Ms. Tatlock; she has written six other novels prior to this one, including the Christy Award winner in Contemporary Fiction, `All the Way Home.' I thought she handled the tough issues - alcoholism, teen drinking, and adultery - with gracious authority. Most Christian-oriented novels would not necessarily attempt to tackle such volatile issues. But Ann doesn't flinch in doing so, and she deals with these issues with sentiment and compassion. I greatly enjoyed this book, and recommend it highly.

This book was generously provided by the author.

Reviewed by Andrea Schultz - Ponderings by Andrea - [...]

Want a read that will never disappoint? I don't worry with Tatlock's work; it's always worth the wait.

In this Returning, he took a chance that doors might open or shut... forever.
His wife was waiting for him to do something. Begin again? or for the first time?
One daughter pushes him away but longs for him to come closer. She never dreamed the loser would be a savior.
A boy-man showed him he could do something and not a minute too soon;
the smallest girl just knew she needed him to love her.

Ann Tatlock has returned with another thought-provoking story whose action lends itself to film. Rare writer--one of the best of our time.

I enjoyed this story about a man returning to his family after five years in prison. The family was affected by the return in different ways and the their feelings and actions were well described. The wife was meek and timid. As more history was revealed of the marriage, I could understand how she had become this way. And the daughter's anger seemed a little over the top in the beginning. But she grew up witnessing her father's drinking and the affects on her mother. After the accident, her life changed because of her father, so I could understand her feelings. For a Christian fiction book, it was not at all preaching to you.

WOW. I absolutely loved THINGS WE ONCE HELD DEAR and EVERY SECRET THING, and now I can add THE RETURNING TO THE LIST. I think Tatlock has written 7 or 8 books, she won the Christy too. Crazy good work with I'LL WATCH THE MOON. And she's still got it! This is a must read. Realistic, smart, and full of hope - just like life.

Returning, The is a character-driven story about some interesting people connected in a family unit. The man, an ex-convict, who became a Christian in prison, wants to turn his life around. He comes home to a wife who is going through the motions required for her to take care of her family while she fills her empty soul with romance novels. The teenage daughter is trouble waiting to happen, and her little sister is frightened by all she experiences. When the man returns to his family, only one person is whole emotionally - the young man with Down syndrome. The story evolves from the daily interactions of the members of this troubled family. The story teller takes us first inside one mind and then another.

Although the events flow from the characters in their situation, it's surprising to read the twists and turns that develop naturally as the plot develops. There is nail-biting anxiety in this book. Even though there are clever hints of whatever is approaching, it is not possible to guess the events ahead of time.

Ann Tatlock, an award-winning author, has developed her writing skills to the point that she has no wasted words. She paints her word pictures with broad strokes. All details are carefully selected to give the reader what is necessary to understand the story.

Warning: it will keep you up at night, and it will keep you from working during the daytime. Once you place this beautiful book with its appealing cover in your hands, you will have to open it. After you read the first page, there is no way to put it down until you read the final page. The Returning is pure entertainment.