18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
It's A Hard Life, March 10, 2001
The story is set in the harsh farmlands of Minnesota in the early 20th century. Mary became the wife of Jonathan Gray and took up her life in the Minnesota wheat fields. They lived a quiet, placid, hard-working life working on the farm that Jonathan inherited from his parents. Jonathan's brother Aaron shares farming duties and lives in the house with them, since the house was his inheritance. They seem to have a satisfying life, but after 7 years of marriage, Jonathan and Mary still haven't had a child.
Their childlessness starts to cause a strain on the marriage, and Jonathan finally realizes that the mumps he had as a child probably made him sterile. However, he is aware that his brother Aaron was not similarly affected by the disease. He suddenly announces to Mary and Aaron that he would like them to procreate to give him a child. Mary and Aaron are stunned by this news, and a previously happy household becomes strained and filled with unspoken fears and concerns. The relationships between all 3 of them becomes strained.
Jonathan leaves for a weekend to purchase a prize bull to start a new herd, and the uneasy relationship between Mary and Aaron ignites into passion. The outcome is predictable, as Mary becomes pregnant immediately, and when she announces it to her husband, no one discusses the fact that the child is Aaron's. Mary is wracked with guilt, and her relationship with Aaron seems beyond repair.
Without spoiling the ending, Mary finally learns the true meaning of love and is able to put back together the pieces of her life.
The author does a wonderful job of describing the rhythms of farm life, and the never-ending chores of being a farm wife. Although the role of women in the early 20th century was essentially subservient, Mary is truly a tower of strength and the one who makes the farm work with her never-ending toil. Reading this book will make you thankful for automatic laundry machines, microwaves, supermarkets, convenience foods and all the time-saving features of our lives that we take for granted.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good, but not a favorite !!, August 12, 2001
I did enjoy this book, but it wasn't my favorite LaVyrle Spencer book. Jonathon and his brother Aaron share their family farm in Minnesota. Mary and Jonathon are married but childless after 7 years of marriage. Jonathon suggests that his brother father his child, since he is unable to. Although the three of them have lived a happy life on the farm, this idea puts a strain on their relationship. When Jonathan leaves home for a few days to purchase a prize bull, the relationship between Mary and Aaron is ignited and the predictable happens. While at first I found this storyline rather appalling, it does become beliveable. My interest picked up and I read on eagerly to the conclusion. The story held my interest and I would recommend it to other readers. I particularly enjoy Spencers historical and prairie stories and most readers will not be disappointed in this book.
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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
REISSUE! Intense, good book, December 10, 1999
By A Customer
This book is a good, intense book. If Lavyrl Spencer is a favorite author and you did not read this when it was first issued years age, you will want to pick it up. As usual, she treats emotions with depth and the book maintains a pace. Plenty of tensions and you wonder how Spencer will resolve the situation. If you get irritated with publishers for repackaging old books, especially when you realize you have already read it, remember this is a reissue.
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