Ruth Kilmer has a secret. She has hidden and tried to ignore a very painful event for over 35 years; the agony and uncertainty that have followed her have become too much to bear any longer and she's standing at a cross roads in her life. In her hands she holds a letter. If she mails it, a door to her past will open and maybe the pain and deprivation she's tried to ignore since 1963 will subside. The letter might also open a door and inflict pain and confusion on two families, hers and the family who adopted the infant she walked away from 35 years ago. In 1963, an unwed Ruth became pregnant. As the daughter of a Methodist minister in rural Mississippi, the expectations of and for her life were high. Pregnancy out of wedlock was frowned upon in those days and usually went badly for the mother and her family. Some times jobs were lost, people were blackballed, and families became the object of scorn. Ruth had a tough decision to make. What of her parents? What of the man she loved who got her pregnant? What of the child she already had? She had to make an excruciating decision in the early 1960s that would protect her and her family. Now, in 1998, she has to make one to protect herself and maybe even regain her own peace of mind.
Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From the Back Cover
Ruth Kilmer has a secret. She has hidden and tried to ignore a very painful event for over 35 years; the agony and uncertainty that have followed her have become too much to bear any longer and she’s standing at a cross roads in her life.
In her hands she holds a letter. If she mails it, a door to her past will open and maybe the pain and deprivation she’s tried to ignore since 1963 will subside. The letter might also open a door and inflict pain and confusion on two families, hers and the family who adopted the infant she walked away from 35 years ago.
In 1963, an unwed Ruth became pregnant. As the daughter of a Methodist minister in rural Mississippi, the expectations of and for her life were high. Pregnancy out of wedlock was frowned upon in those days and usually went badly for the mother and her family. Some times jobs were lost, people were blackballed, and families became the object of scorn. Ruth had a tough decision to make. What of her parents? What of the man she loved who got her pregnant? What of the child she already had?
She had to make an excruciating decision in the early 1960s that would protect her and her family. Now, in 1998, she has to make one to protect herself and maybe even regain her own peace of mind.
About the Author
Neal Alexander was born and raised in Louisiana. His family adopted him from the Methodist Children’s Home in New Orleans, and reared him in a small town near the Sabine River. He, his wife and two children currently live near Williamsburg, Virginia.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good Read,
By SMR "Sally Rose" (Louisiana) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Southern Courage (Paperback)
I found this book to tell quite an interesting story and it was an "easy read". (which is a good thing). It was a very informative story about an interesting mix of families. Haven't read it yet? You should! Could use a bit of editing but that didn't slow me down. (sorry) I began reading the book during Hurricane Rita by booklight and it really helped me pass the time and kept me distracted from all of the inconviences of having no power. Thanks! I couldn't put it down.Sally Rose, Louisiana
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Touching story,
By Amy B. (Annapolis, MD) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Southern Courage (Paperback)
This is a very intimate glimpse into the lives of several families and the impact of adoption. It was hard to put down because I connected so much with the characters, especially Ruth Kilmer. Although at times the book could have been improved with some careful editing, this doesn't detract from the overall story. A good read for a variety of audiences, however I expect that anyone ever touched by adoption would especially enjoy this book.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Moving story,
By Cathy B "Cathy" (Tidewater VA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Southern Courage (Paperback)
This is a very heartwarming book and hard to put down. You get to to know this family as if it were your own. A true look back at how things were in the 60s in the South. Excellent novel.
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