Long Way Home by Lynn Austin

This review was originally shared in Episode 29: Guest Ann H. Gabhart & a Review of Long Way Home

About the Book

In this gripping portrait of war and its aftermath from bestselling author Lynn Austin, a young woman searches for the truth her childhood friend won’t discuss after returning from World War II, revealing a story of courage, friendship, and faith.

Peggy Serrano couldn’t wait for her best friend to come home from the war. But the Jimmy Barnett who returns is much different from the Jimmy who left, changed so drastically by his experience as a medic in Europe that he can barely function. When he attempts the unthinkable, his parents check him into the VA hospital. Peggy determines to help the Barnetts unravel what might have happened to send their son over the edge. She starts by contacting Jimmy’s war buddies, trying to identify the mysterious woman in the photo they find in Jimmy’s belongings.

Seven years earlier, sensing the rising tide against her people, Gisela Wolff and her family flee Germany aboard the passenger ship St. Louis, bound for Havana, Cuba. Gisela meets Sam Shapiro on board and the two fall quickly in love. But the ship is denied safe harbor and sent back to Europe. Thus begins Gisela’s perilous journey of exile and survival, made possible only by the kindness and courage of a series of strangers she meets along the way, including one man who will change the course of her life.

Review

Long Way Home follows two storylines: a Jewish girl fighting for survival through WWII and an American girl trying to help her friend recover from the horrors of war. It’s easy to look back and admire the courage and resilience of the Greatest Generation, but they were human just like us and endured so much pain. I appreciated this book’s honest approach to recovering from horrors no human was ever meant to see.

Honestly, I felt like this story was a little bit heavy, but appropriately so for the subject matter. I appreciated how the characters struggled to hold onto hope, but kept trying anyway. You want these people to live and thrive. The description offers an attention to detail that takes you right into the story, and once you start reading, you’ll want to keep turning pages.

This story touches on a lot of traumatizing situations, but nothing is too in-your-face. The faith thread is strong and overt, but not preachy. Romance is sweet and tender, and this is really more women’s fiction than romance anyway.

If you enjoy stories of overcoming, of perseverance, and of people whose daily lives and walk with God invite you to reevaluate your own, pick up a copy of Long Way Home by Lynn Austin.

The Author

Lynn Austin has sold more than one and a half million copies of her books worldwide. A former teacher who now writes and speaks full-time, she has won eight Christy Awards for her historical fiction and was one of the first inductees into the Christy Award Hall of Fame. One of her novels, Hidden Places, was made into a Hallmark Channel Original Movie. She and her husband have three grown children and make their home in western Michigan. 

Disclaimer: The publisher offered a complimentary copy of this book. The review was given freely, without payment. All views expressed are only the honest opinion of a member of the Historical Bookworm Review Team.