Customer Reviews

Rush Home Road: A Novel

5 star:		(41)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This novel is a page turner. I simply could not put it down, and read it all in one day. The story of an old lady with many stories to her life and a little girl with terrible stories of her own. You will want only the best for Addy and Sharla- and burn with the need for justice when the best doesn't always happen. Lori Lansens is a wonderful story teller, I found myself compelled to keep going to find out what would happen next, and sad when I awoke this morning to realize that I had already finished the book and the story was over. It is written in a rather spare style, which makes the events even more poignant. It is non-sentimental, and Addy Shadd is one of the best heroines I had recently read. Five stars is the least award I would give this wonderful book.

If you are looking at these reviews in 2006, it may be because you have just read Lori Lansens latest novel, "The Girls" and found it to be so enthralling that you want more more more. That's why I picked up "Rush Home Road", and am I ever glad I did because it is every bit as enthralling, page-turning, heart-wrenching and endearing as "The Girls". This woman can write a story! Maybe it's her experience as a screenplay writer that makes her able to keep you interested, to teach you something you didn't know, and to make you want to know what happens next. I can't wait for her next novel! Brava!

I only meant to read the first couple of pages to see what the story and writing style was going to be like when I opened this book, but I found myself immediately involved in the lives of Sharla Cody and Addy Shadd. Sharla is a five-year-old child and Addy is a seventy-year-old woman. Their lives are joined together when Sharla's mother asks Addy to watch the child for the summer, then abandons her. Having Sharla in her life and home brought back memories for Addy of her childhood in Rusholme, Ontario, Canada, and later years in Detroit, Michigan and Chatham, Ontario, Canada. Sharla reminds Addy of her own daughter that she did not see grow up. Although they had a rocky start, Sharla and Addy become friends as Addy bestowed some of her wisdom on Sharla. Sharla in turn learns to be a loving little girl now free of abuse.

Most of the story is Addy reminiscing about her first love Chester Monk, her rape by a family friend, her lonely existence as the town outcast, her marriage, her children, friends and her job at the bakery. Addy's memories of these good and bad times surface as she dreams during her naps. While sleeping she has conversations with her brother, Lil Leam, who served as an advisor and helpmate to Addy. Unbeknownst to Addy, she is also talking aloud in her sleep and Sharla is taking in it all.

I think the author did a fantastic job of making clear and precise transitions between the past and present. She includes a little history about the Underground Railroad and the city of Rusholme, a black community in Ontario, Canada. Her writing style easily engages the reader as the dialogue between the characters tells the story better than anyone else ever could. This book is highly recommended.

If Oprah's bookclub was back in business this would surely be a novel she would love. Black Canadian history, hardship, heartache and joy all figure prominantly in this very readable first novel. This is the story of Addy Shadd, an elderly Black woman with plenty of heartbreaking secrets in her past. Addy comes to "inherit" five year old Sharla Cody, a mixed race child with no father and a less than caring mother. The fascinating story of Addy's life is carefully weaved into her present relationship with Sharla, it makes for a story you won't want to put down. My only minor negative comment would be that at times the volume of tragedy in Addy's life seems overwhelming even for the reader. That aside, I would highly recommend seeking out this novel. 4.5 stars.

I found this book by chance. I was drawn to it by the cover. It just looked inviting. I frankly had no idea what it was about and had never heard of the author. Once I started reading and transition through Addy's and Sharla's life, I just could not put it down...It showed the power of the human spirt to stay focused and positive. I kept thinking how could she take any more heart ache...I cried and kept on reading. The book was familiar and reminded me of Roots, The Bluest Eyes, The Sound of Music and Circle of Friends all wrapped up in one. What an amazing and yet truly uplifting story... I have added this author to my favorites list. Can't wait on until her next book.

Acclaimed actress Ruby Dee has an enviable roster of credits: she co-starred with Sidney Poitier in several films, and she's an Emmy Award-winner. Miss Dee gives another award winning performance in the reading of this story of a 70-year-old woman who is forced to relive much of her painful past so that she might save a child.

As a child herself living in Rushholme Addy Shadd learned the history of her community, which was settled by runaway slaves in the 1800s. When she is a teenager circumstances compel Addy to leave the home she loves. But, the name of her town becomes a mantra to her: "Rush home, rush home."

Fate intervenes when a five-year-old girl, Sharla Cody, is left at Addy's trailer doorstep. Surely, Addy thinks, she is not up to raising this child, yet she takes the waif into her home and heart. Sharla brings more than a presence into Addy's life, she brings an amazing gift.

- Gail Cooke

Though I have read the reviews on Amazon.com for years, this is the first time I have been so moved by a book that I had to write. One will be rooting for Addy all the way through, hoping that things will turn out well for her and Sharla. This is one of the best written books I have read in a long time and I read a lot of books! This is a page turner. I was unable to put it down. I hope that Lori Lansens has a long writing career ahead of her.

Great book: well-developed, interesting characters in an engrossing story. I enjoyed the fact that it grabbed my attention from the very beginning and held it throughout the book.

This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. Lori Lansens is a wonderful author. I hope she is working on a new book right now.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a book on the struggles of life.