wp-1582315314107.jpgWelcome to my stop on the Don’t Put the Boats Away blog tour sponsored by Suzy Approved Book Tours! Thank you to Suzy for the invitation!

About the Book:

In the aftermath of World War II, the members of the Sutton family are reeling from the death of their “golden boy,” Eddie. Over the next twenty-five years, they all struggle with loss, grief, and mourning. Daughter Harriet and son Nat attempt to fill the void Eddie left behind: Harriet becomes a chemist despite an inhospitable culture for career women in the 1940s and ’50s, hoping to move into the family business in New Jersey, while Nat aims to be a jazz musician. Both fight with their autocratic father, George, over their professional ambitions as they come of age. Their mother, Eleanor, who has PTSD as a result of driving an ambulance during the Great War, wrestles with guilt over never telling Eddie about the horrors of war before he enlisted. As the members of the family attempt to rebuild their lives, they pay high prices, including divorce and alcoholism―but in the end, they all make peace with their losses, each in his or her own way.

My Thoughts:

World War II leaves its mark on the Sutton family. They’ve lost their beloved Eddie, and the next quarter century is filled with more grief, loss, and mourning.

Harriet and Nat, the children of the family, try their best to mend their parents’ hearts. Harriet becomes a chemist, uncommon for women at the time, and Nat longs to become a jazz musician.

George, the father, is not happy with the wants of either child and tells them so.

Eleanor, the mother, has PTSD from driving an ambulance during WWI. She feels tremendous guilt for not preparing Eddie for the war more prior to him leaving.

The family tries its best to evolve and heal from all the loss, but there are bumps along the way.

I enjoyed this story. It was an insightful look at loss in a family, especially at a unique historical time. I also liked that it took place over several years time, giving the family time for growth and coming together.

Overall, Don’t Put the Boats Away is an insightful and captivating story of family and loss.

I received a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

About the Author:

I have been writing stories since I was nine years old. I worked as a reporter for two small town newspapers, as a publicist for an auto salvage yard and an aluminum recycling business, and as the author for two academic reference books, one of which helped to launch the field of women’s history. Then I ventured into creative nonfiction, writing grant proposals for the Sierra Club, the Minnesota Historical Society, and the Minneapolis Public Library.

Born and raised in Minneapolis, I have lived in Philadelphia, Boston, and San Francisco.

Have you read Don’t Put the Boats Away, or is it on your TBR? Happy Reading! ~ Jennifer THR