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Family Secrets
A biography of the author's grandparents in the early twentieth century.
In the late 19th century, orphans became a ward of the county. When that happened to my grandmother, she was sold as a bond servant, setting the course of her life into motion. At the age of 18 the man who held her bond had taught her to read and write, be a good Christian woman, and the mysteries of housekeeping. Giving her a watch, a bible and $10 she was on her own for the first time since she'd been bonded at the age of three and a half.
In the midst of the depression, my father found himself on his own at the age of twelve. His life was one of a little boy lost.
Last but not least, is the way in which my family impacted my life. This is our story and one that would not survive if I didn't take the time to tell it.
In the late 19th century, orphans became a ward of the county. When that happened to my grandmother, she was sold as a bond servant, setting the course of her life into motion. At the age of 18 the man who held her bond had taught her to read and write, be a good Christian woman, and the mysteries of housekeeping. Giving her a watch, a bible and $10 she was on her own for the first time since she'd been bonded at the age of three and a half.
In the midst of the depression, my father found himself on his own at the age of twelve. His life was one of a little boy lost.
Last but not least, is the way in which my family impacted my life. This is our story and one that would not survive if I didn't take the time to tell it.
241 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2012
4 people want to read
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July 7, 2012
This is an unusual tale because it’s a fictionalized family saga, based on facts gleams from photographs, memorabilia, old letters, and word-of-mouth tales, of the author’s grandparents. Some of it is unbelievable when viewed from today’s modern standpoint. Some of it downright cruel from a family view. It’s a touching story, and one that will leave the reader with that uneasy feeling that comes from losing loved ones, as well as the contentment of realizing he or she has a family to love.
The author says she wrote the story partly so it wouldn’t be forgotten and partly as an attempt to reach any of Ralph Totten’s descendants, since nothing is known about her grandmother’s brother after they were separated. Here’s hoping she succeeds.
A Family Secret is available from Melange Books, www.melange-books.com
This novel was supplied by the author and no remuneration was involved in the writing of this review.
The author says she wrote the story partly so it wouldn’t be forgotten and partly as an attempt to reach any of Ralph Totten’s descendants, since nothing is known about her grandmother’s brother after they were separated. Here’s hoping she succeeds.
A Family Secret is available from Melange Books, www.melange-books.com
This novel was supplied by the author and no remuneration was involved in the writing of this review.
Displaying 1 of 1 review