Haven's Wake

by Ladette Randolph

Early July, and the corn in eastern Nebraska stands ten feet tall; after a near-decade of drought, it seems too good to be true, and everyone is watching the sky for trouble. For the Grebels, whose plots of organic crops trace a modest patchwork among the vast fields of soybeans and corn, trouble arrives from a different quarter in the form of Elsa’s voice on her estranged son’s answering “Your father’s dead. You’ll probably want to come home.”  When a tractor accident fells the patriarch of this Mennonite family, the threads holding them together are suddenly drawn taut, singing with the tensions of a lifetime’s worth of love and faith, betrayal and shame. Through the competing voices of those gathered for Haven Grebel’s funeral, acts of loyalty and failures, long-suppressed resentments and a tragic secret are brought to light, expressing a larger, complex truth.

Genres: Fiction, Drama

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Ladette Randolph is an American author and editor.

The editor-in-chief of Ploughshares, she is also on the faculty at Emerson College and is co-owner of the manuscript consulting firm Randolph Lundine.

She has been the recipient of a grant from the Rona Jaffe Foundation, as well as a Pushcart Prize, a Virginian Faulkner Award, and three Nebraska Book Awards.

(from Wikipedia)

Reviews

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book on so many levels. The writing is beautiful, the characters relatable (some more than others, of course) and I especially loved what Ms. Randolph did with the plot, which isn't told chronologically, but rather from end to...well, don't want to reveal too much but thought the storytelling quietly brilliant.

[Susanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This very quiet book explores the dynamics of a Mennonite family in Nebraska as they congregate for the funeral of the patriarch who has died suddenly in a tractor accident. Randolph delves into the hearts and minds of several of the characters to show how inextricably relationships are entwined, how the past cannot be forgotten no matter how deeply it tries to be buried, and how sometimes, no matter how much we care and how hard we try, proverbial bridges cannot be mended. I loved how the ending chapter circled back around to the beginning chapter. Beautifully written and a book than cannot be put down.

[Ashley Husemoller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes a tragedy can pull a family together, or remind you why you fell apart. This book is centered around a family that have come together because of the death of the patriarch. Woven throughout are beautiful (and accurate) depictions of Nebraska. I live here and I could feel the tall grass, hear the chickens, smell the fresh-turned dirt. Family relationships are so complicated. Randolph understands this and carries it off flawlessly. You know these people because they're real. You've met people just like this and that's a rare find in fiction.

[Paula · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not get the purpose of this book at all! The main character, Johnathan, really what does he have to complain about - he left his home he found too confining, got an education, works in a business with a partner he really likes, loves his wife, yet whine, whine whine.........I did not finish the book.......

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

" . . . he hadn't intended to cause such a kerfuffle first thing in the morning." of Jonathan.

Anna June and Celia reminded me of Margaret and the Pre-Teen Cuties. I want to hug Anna June.

I'd enjoy reading more about Elsa's quilts.

Probably not the best book to start on the anniversary of my father's death.

[Henriette Lazaridis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely and thoughtful book. Gorgeous descriptions particularly of the sounds of the prairie, and throughout, a fascinating look at a Mennonite family as it buries its patriarch. Those who have left the church or who feel themselves on the edge of it come together with family members still adhering to church principles. The novel raises interesting questions of allegiance, duty, and agency in the world while describing intricate connections among family members and between individuals and the land around them.

[Theleem · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must admit I rushed through this book (I had to read it for class) in only a few days, and although I found the plot rather dull, I had to give it 4 stars for a few reasons: 1- I believe it offers a very interesting depiction of the Mennonite community as a whole, and touches on what seem to be the cornerstones of their faith. 2- Growing up in a large family myself, with a deep-rooted sense of obligation to a religious community, I believe Randolph does extremely well to illustrate the numerous complexities and issues that arise in families focused on religious commitment.

[Dewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend Ladette Randolph’s new novel, HAVEN’S WAKE, which suggests a Mennonite, Nebraskan version of James Agee’s A DEATH IN THE FAMILY. I love the collision of Randolph’s family characters brought together by the father’s accidental death: the grieving, orthodox, land-based mother; the scapegrace, worldly son, Jonathan, visiting from Boston; and the lyrically slant-witted granddaughter, Anna June, who keeps a store of community secrets on 2x4 cards. Spirituality, nature, and humanity are at stake.

[Kristin (Kritters Ramblings) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings

Haven Grebel, the head of the Mennonite Grebel family has passed away due to an accident on his farm and now his family is gathering to celebrate his life and to say goodbye. His two sons have taken different paths from their Mennonite upbringings and the reader must find out why they reacted and went the ways that they did.

[Tanja · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great little novel about a family getting together for the funeral after the family patriarch died in an accident. It starts out with the morning of the funeral, goes back to the day of the accident and ends with the early morning hours of the funeral. Ladette Randolph’s characters are convincing in this story about life, grief, family and spirituality.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Novel about a Mennonite family in Nebraska assembling for the funeral of the patriarch of the family. Well written, with mostly convincing characters (while background info was provided, in some cases it didn’t really tell me what I needed to know). The ending was mostly unsatisfying. 3.5 stars.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review forthcoming at Necessary Fiction.

[Teagan E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some fascinating character study set against the backdrop of some enduring family themes about how impossible it can be to unattach yourself from the people who shape you.

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like this is a book to try and read again in a couple of years