Mary Frances (Frankie) Lombard and her older brother William have grown up with a deep love and sense of connection to the Lombard farm. Despite knowing that the partnership between their father and his cousin Sherwood might cause problems with their future legacy, the hope for that future remains strong.
The Excellent Lombards is a coming-of-age tale set in Wisconsin that features young Frankie, and from her perspective, we learn what growing up under these circumstances has instilled in her. We come to understand how she might feel threatened by interlopers like distant cousin Philip, and the ominous presence of his aunt, May Hill, who has some ownership in the property as well.
From her pre-adolescent self to young adulthood, we see how she grows and changes, and observe the various influences on her young life.
The sense of competition flourishes among the various relatives, and at times, it seems like a good thing. Until it isn’t.
How will Frankie eventually resolve her plight? What will her future hold for her, and will she be able to merge her various passions and make a life for herself?
The story unfolded slowly, revealing the emotions, the connections, and what life looked like on a farm that might, eventually, be sold off in order to make way for subdivisions. A changing landscape that mimics how the world in the 21st Century has built upon past versions of a country, a nation. Rating:
***
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Interesting sounding book – as I was reading your review it made me think of Anna Quindlen’s Miller’s Valley book.
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Yes! I was thinking the same thing, except I liked Miller’s Valley more. Thanks for stopping by, Kathryn.
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where is this one set Laurel?
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So sorry I forgot to mention it, Karen! It’s in Wisconsin. I fixed the review!
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Sounds interesting. So much farmland in the midwest is being sold off and mostly for residential development. I can only imagine the emotional upheaval in some families when this happens.
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Thanks for stopping by, Mary, and even though I grew up in California, it was on a farm, so I could relate to parts of the story.
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