October in the Earth - Olivia Hawker

 October in the Earth - Olivia Hawker

Publication Date:  October 10, 2023

She read

It is The Great Depression in the United States, a time of devastating poverty;  families torn apart, starvation, crops ruined, no work. Del Wensley, wife of an up and coming End Times preacher knows what is expected of a wife in God fearing Kentucky. When she catches him being unfaithful and learns of repeated indiscretions, she has had enough and takes to the rails, joining the hobo life of those times. Fortunately for her, she meets Luisa who is well schooled in the way of hobo society as she works her way back to the son and uncle she has left behind while she tries to earn money.  They form a strong bond, demonstrating that they are more benevolent and charitable than the moneyed class or the pious, hypocritical self proclaimed do gooders.  

This is a heart wrenching but hopeful story.  Beautifully descriptive, I felt as if I were on those railroad cars, looking out into the changing terrain as the women crisscrossed the America of the 1930s.  It was fascinating learning about the hobo culture, poor individuals living a dangerous life, traveling from place to place looking for work and guided by a strict moral code. I loved the evolution of Del from someone who inherently knows there is something wrong with the position in life to which has been prescribed to an independent, clever, self sufficient woman in control of her destiny.  

Although reflective of the time in which it was set, I saw this also as an allegory for our times, especially regarding the perceived role of women among religious zealots as well as the gap between the rich and the poor that lives on and the insensitive treatment of those struggling just to make a living. 

I wasn’t sure about this book when I read the synopsis, but I am so glad I chose to read it and highly recommend it. Olivia Hawker (pen name) is a captivating story teller.

Thank you to #netgalley, @hawker.books and #lakeunionpub for the ARC.

*****