River's Edge: A Novel

This is the story of Elise, a young German whose mother has died and whose military father sends her to America to live with distant relatives she has never met. You feel her pain and frustration for being sent away against her will to a strange land that she eventually learns to love. Then as WWII develops and the US becomes involved, you again feel Elise's pain as she is scorned simply because she is German. And you grow to love the family that took her in as their own and defend her. The story line is amazing and the emotions run deep and the characters are well described and feel like family -- you understand their faults but love them anyway. This book will make you laugh and cry and stay in your thoughts after the last chapter is read.

Once again, Marie Bostwick produces a novel that reads like the loveliest painting. Her magical ability to portray every facet of life inspires the reader to self reflect while becoming immersed in the joys, hopes and fears, and challenges of a young girl, as she grows and matures. Interspersed with historical fact, the story creatively places us within the depths of World War II and its affect on families of both Germany and the United States. Although River's Edge points out that life is filled with innumerable boundaries and contradictions, it teaches us that fulfillment is achieved in learning that we are all connected, we have all that we need when we embrace family and friends. Do yourself a favor, buy the book, read the prologue, and I know you will find a connection and want to continue.

Even the prologue grabs you right quick and doesn't let go. I had to go back and re-read it again after I finished the novel, as her descriptive prose about the Connecticut River (pages 6 and 7) makes the reader feel as if you were standing at the River's Edge. This is one of the best novels I have ever read, and by a "newbie" so to speak. This is only her second novel, but is written as if the words just flowed effortlessly from her fingertips. I just love the way she puts her words together and by the time you finish this book you feel connected to the characters in a way that doesn't easily leave you once you close the cover and put the book on the shelf. The story line revolves around World War II, but is not about the war itself, although historical facts and a few actual incidents and characters are portrayed. It is about a young German girl, Elise, who is sent by her father to live in the States just prior to war-time. Her mother is dead and her father is an officer in the German military and fears for his daughter's safety. An American minister and his family take her in to live with them on their tobacco farm in Connecticut and consequently raise her and love her as one of their own. The other children in the family find her strange and resent her, and Elise struggles to earn their approval and trust, in a land totally unlike her own. After the war breaks and hatred spreads for the Germans and for the loss of American life, Elise is the target of prejudice and hatred in the town where they live, just for what she is and where she came from. The reader accompanies Elise in her struggle to forgive, to understand, to grow, and yes to love, all the people that influenced her on her journey into womanhood. It is amazingly written and wonderful. Don't miss it. Buy it today, and pick up an extra one for a gift. Christmas is right around the corner. Thanks Marie, for a wonderful story. This is a great discussion book for our book club. October, 2006

When I got this book in the mail, I returned two library books unread simply because I knew that I was in for a treat. I had read "Field of Gold" and loved it ~~ it is one of my favorites and a keeper ~~ so I hoped this one would be another keeper and it is. This is a very beautiful and lyrical story ~~ Elise will haunt you long after the last page has been turned. Sent to America from Germany, Elise was just a child. Safe in America with a Nazi officer for a father, Elise experienced the kind of family she never knew that she dreamed of ~~ loud and boisterous, the Mullers welcomed Elise with open arms. Mr. Muller was also a Reverend, and Mrs. Muller just opened her arms and heart to a lost girl who had just lost her mother and father, though her father was still living. With war hovering on the horizon, Elise learned to find her way in a strange country. WWII happens and Elise begins to discover what it means to be German and American. In love with Junior, she sees him off to war and waits behind with his mother and family. Elise keeps onto her faith and dreams even after the war ended, and she dealt with the changes in her life even then. Her father comes to America and reunites with her ~~ finding a gorgeous young woman instead of a child that he had sent away years before. This is a very touching book ~~ about a young girl on the edge of womanhood and torn about who she is and trying to find her place in this world. She finds comfort from the river that lays near her house ~~ and she finds hope again. It is beautiful, inspiring and wonderful. This book takes you back to a time in history where things seem to be simpler, even though there is nothing simple about war. It takes you to a time where faith is more important than material goods. It takes you back to a time where people are ruled by their emotions and sometimes, it's just not easy trying to fit in somewhere if you're different. It just takes you back and reminds you that history is always a living story that is passed on. I highly recommend this book to everyone ~~ especially if you like history and strong feminine characters. This book is a keeper. 10-20-06

I already knew I wanted to read this novel, before it was even complete, because I read Marie Bostwick's first book Fields of Gold, and couldn't wait to get my hands on the next story from this wonderfully honest and romantic new writer. RIVERS EDGE is a walk in history when Nazi Germany was all the world knew as the most evil, and the story of a young woman torn. Every character including my favorite, old Mrs. Ludwig grabs at your soul and doesn't let go until you feel like you are a piece of the world you are reading about. This is a love story, not only between man and woman, but the love of family and friends, true love that includes as close to hate as you can get without actually hating someone. I recommend RIVERS EDGE if you want to laugh, cry, think, and most of all hope. 5 STARS!!