The Valley

by Gayle Friesen

At 38, Gloria is a vaguely dissatisfied wife and mother. Compelled to return to the family farm after a long absence, she finds that nothing has changed about the strict Mennonite community she grew up not the house she grew up in, her mother’s no-nonsense work ethic, nor her father’s unwavering belief in “trust and obey.” Nothing, that is, except the demons of her past that she must finally her estranged best friend, Des, whom Gloria abandoned when Des needed her most; the early love of her life, Gabe, as gorgeous as ever but now married to Des; and the ghost of her beloved twin brother, Jake, whose death as a teenager would deeply affect the lives of everyone around him for a generation. Friesen’s first novel for adults is a thoughtful exploration of the subtle complexities of family, faith, friendship, and grief.

292 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Gayle Friesen lives in Delta, British Columbia.

Reviews

[Maureen · Rating 2 out of 5]

A thoughtful read of childhood faith and adult issues, and the journey of both. Disappointing, because the main character continually focuses on how her childhood faith has let her down, but refuses to step forward towards an adult faith with meaning.

[Helgaklassen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written and I could relate to a lot the experiences of growing up in the Mennonite culture. Not sure if readers growing up in other faiths (or no faith) would feel the same connection to the book and characters.

[Lanette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this one. It was a slow start but as I kept reading I found I really enjoyed the characters.

[Suzanne Montigny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was somewhat shocked by this novel in a few places. Ms. Friesen's writing is impeccable as usual and horribly fascinating, but what really took me by surprise was the fear and guilt revealed by the author regarding her Mennonite upbringing. I knew the group of girls she hung with in high school and they were truly the loveliest, fun girls around. I could never imagine that a child could live in fear of being left behind during the rapture and other things I can't reveal without giving away the story. However, I giggled several times whenever someone in the story exclaimed, "Now that's a blessing." But the death of Jake brought back sad memories of a young Mennonite man I once knew who was killed in an accident just as meaningless. Now my next question is: when is Ms. Friesen's next book going to come out. It's been too long and I've read every single one of them. I want more.

[Mar · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 is more accurate. i enjoyed it, but i could relate to some of the religous conservatisim of her mennonite upbringing. i'm not sure that everyone would enjoy that. the ending seemed somewhat rushed.

[Patricia Kadoche · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking book...enjoyed the relationship evolve between 3 childhood friends as they try to love life after a tragic death...a good read!

[Phil Robinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gayle is a great weaver of tales and the characters that bring life to them. The story left me pondering the nature of the Mennonite upbringing experienced by the main character, Gloria, and her friends. I was left with the overall impression that Mennonite beliefs and practices were somehow harmful to her generation and that her (their) questions were aimed at mockery rather than intelligent inquiry.

This novel (at least the copy I have) is reviewed on the cover as Gayle's first 'adult' novel and I have to wonder just what that means. If it refers to the odd chunks of abusive language then perhaps it is valid, although I found such language gratuitous and not worthy of the overall story. Or perhaps 'adult' refers to coming of age and mocking beliefs and tradition that are undeserving of such. Or perhaps 'adult' could have meant owning up to real questions facing real people in all faith structures and answering those questions realistically - but Gayle decided not to go there.

It felt like Gayle was stepping out of her usual writing world and going for the shock value that might titillate a new readership - those outside the faith community.