90 Brothers and Sisters

by Lenore De Pree

A lifetime of rich experience gives Lenore De Pree's writing texture and depth. Born in Chicago, raised in the Appalachian Mountain region of Kentucky where this story takes place, then going on with husband Gordon to spend twenty years in Hong Kong and ten years in Saudi Arabia, Lenore has looked deep into human nature, culture, and the many definitions of love. Mother of four children and grandmother of five, Lenore now lives in the mountains of North Carolina where she and Gordon share a love of art and design.

90 Brothers and Sisters could be one of the funniest and saddest books you have ever read. Two idealistic young people from Chicago move into a remote Appalachian area of Kentucky in the 1930's, and end up with a family of nearly 100 children, and not a cent to their names. Told from the astonished and sometimes indignant viewpoint of their only biological child, this rollicking tale has so much heartwarming goodness and chilling danger built into the plot that what began as a novel turned into a documentary because it was "too unbelievable". Originally published by Harper and Row in 1978, this book is now going on line for a new generation of readers.

Genres: Nonfiction

328 pages, Paperback

First published July 12, 2004

Reviews

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great and exciting life story!

[Michelle Akers-dicken · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure I would like this book, much less love it! But Lenore De Pree wrote in such a way that I couldn't wait to see what happened next. I think I felt every emotion. I wanted to know more and after the book was done, I'd spent an entire night researching her family and the movie that was made... OH and good ole Col. Sanders! Wow. I won't give anything away but, let's just say, I used to like KFC when Col. Sanders was in charge. I'll never look at him the same (and not in a good way). This is a true story about some sick and twisted religious ideas and a story about what can happen when religion, power and mental illness mixes. I can't wait to read more from this author!

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard Lenore Depree speak at our HFA meeting and saw her wonderful art, she told us a little bit about her life as a child and mentioned her book. I checked out this book and it has been a revelation and an inspiration. She has overcome a childhood of secrets and illusions to become a successful woman, wife, mother, grandmother , writer and artist. It was a page turner. I have great admiration for her truthful analysis of when ego becomes superego and people do wrong and use religion to justify that which is evil.

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

After meeting the author and having a nice long chat, I decided to buy her book. I am so glad I did. What a riveting story of a very unique and in many ways, tragic childhood. There was laughter, tears, shock...so many emotions. I admire anyone who lived through what she did and can still be a delightfully charming, elegant lady. I'm so glad she shared her story with the world.

[Laurel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating true story of Lenore growing up with her depraved and abusive father running a children's home in Kentucky. A real page turner. What a strong woman to survive and thrive despite such an upbringing.

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Met her at her art gallery in West Jefferson, NC very interesting lady with a hell of a story and life---can't wait to run into her again now that I've read her book.

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

The title is deceptive. Sexual predators dressed as missionaries.