Contemporary Fiction
The Swan House
Back of the Book:
Mary Swan Middleton has always taken for granted the advantages of her family’s wealth. But a tragedy that touches all of Atlanta sends her reeling in grief.
When the family maid challenges her to reach out to the less fortunate as a way to ease her own pain, Mary Swan meets Carl—and everything changes. For although Carl is her opposite in nearly every way, he has something her privileged life could not give her. And when she seeks his help to uncover a mystery, she learns far more than she ever could have imagined.
My Review:
This is not the type of book I normally read. It’s a coming-of-age story about a sixteen-year-old girl who lived in the south in the 60s. Yes, it was enjoyable, but I wasn’t drawn to the story like I have been with other books.
I liked the fact that it showed just how real racial inequality was even in the 60s. I had no idea how the upper class lived in that time, and it was very interesting, historically.
It also walked through someone’s need for God in a very believable way. An unbeliever could read this and not be offended by all of the Biblical talk. Mary Swan was a very stubborn character that took a lot of convincing to realize her need for God.
Overall I thought it was a good book, but I wouldn’t call it one of my favorites. It would probably be a good book for high school students, although I’m sure everyone can find something valuable in it.