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Let Evening Come
After her mother is killed in a rare Northern Michigan tornado, Sadie Wixom is left with only her father and grandfather to guide her through the pitfalls of young adulthood.
Hundreds of miles away in western Saskatchewan, Stefan Montegrand and his Indigenous family are forced off their land by multinational energy companies and flawed treaties. They are taken in temporarily by Sadie’s aunt, a human rights activist who heads a cultural exchange program.
Stefan, whose own father died in prison while on a hunger strike, promptly runs afoul of local authority, but Sadie, intrigued by him and captivated by his story, has grown sympathetic to his cause and complicit in his pushback against prejudiced accusations.
Their mutual attraction and struggle for equilibrium is stymied when Stefan’s older brother, Joachim, who stayed behind, becomes embroiled in the resistance, and Stefan is compelled to return to Canada. Sadie, concerned for his safety, impulsively follows on a trajectory doomed by cultural misunderstanding and oncoming winter.
Hundreds of miles away in western Saskatchewan, Stefan Montegrand and his Indigenous family are forced off their land by multinational energy companies and flawed treaties. They are taken in temporarily by Sadie’s aunt, a human rights activist who heads a cultural exchange program.
Stefan, whose own father died in prison while on a hunger strike, promptly runs afoul of local authority, but Sadie, intrigued by him and captivated by his story, has grown sympathetic to his cause and complicit in his pushback against prejudiced accusations.
Their mutual attraction and struggle for equilibrium is stymied when Stefan’s older brother, Joachim, who stayed behind, becomes embroiled in the resistance, and Stefan is compelled to return to Canada. Sadie, concerned for his safety, impulsively follows on a trajectory doomed by cultural misunderstanding and oncoming winter.
412 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2024
About the author
Yvonne Osborne
4 books14 followersYvonne Osborne's 2nd novel, BLACK RIVER will be published on July 28, 2026 and is available now for preorder direct from the publisher, Unsolicited Press! Romance, malfeasance, and murder erupt in farm country, where the use of modern-day practices pits one farmer who has faith in the ancient wisdom of husbandry against another who uses chemicals and exploits farm workers, while the son of the first and the daughter of the last try to rise above the war that engulfs them.
Osborne's debut novel LET EVENING COME, was the publisher's #1 Bestseller of 2024 and was nominated for the Women’s National Book Association’s Great Group Reads. She is a Pushcart-nominated poet and storyteller. Her poetry and short stories can be found in the Flapper Press, Slippery Elm Literary Journal, Third Coast Review, Full of Crow, Midwest Review, Great Lakes Review, and the Milk House Literary Magazine.
What Readers Are Saying
"Two free-spirits, damaged and impacted by loss forge a connection while navigating the shoals of young adulthood in this cross-border, deeply researched, and engrossing fast- paced read."
Let Evening Come is a compelling contemporary Northern coming-of-age tale, gripping in its conflicts and transfixing in its prose.
-Dave Essinger, author of Running Out, and Editor, Slippery Elm Literary Journal
This is a beautifully written novel that ties together real indigenous and environmental issues, grounded in a bridge between the landscapes of Northern Michigan and Canada. The characters are so nuanced, you feel a familiarity with them and care for them as the book progresses.
As someone who did graduate work in Indigenous environmental/land ethics, I was extremely impressed with the research and storyline. A beautiful book.
- Amanda Hayden
"Let Evening Come" was a well-written, beautiful story. I could not put it down. It's hard to believe this is Osborne's first novel. Can't wait for her second!
-BNiko
“Let Evening Come” by Yvonne Osborne is a poignant and deeply moving narrative that explores themes of loss, love, cultural conflict, and resilience. Set against the backdrop of rural Michigan and western Saskatchewan, the novel weaves together the lives of Sadie Wixom, a young woman grappling with the loss of her mother, and Stefan Montegrand, an Indigenous young man displaced from his ancestral lands. Their story is one of mutual attraction, shared struggles, and the relentless pursuit of understanding and justice in the face of adversity.
— Jeyran Main, REVIEW TALES
Author Yvonne Osborne has crafted a truly emotionally resonant novel that delves into themes of loss, displacement, and cultural conflict. As the characters navigated adversity and sought connection across borders, I found myself deeply invested in their journey, rooting for their love to transcend the obstacles in their path. Overall, Let Evening Come is a recommended read and a compelling tale of love, resilience, and the human capacity to overcome adversity amidst cultural divides.
K.C. Finn at Readers' Favorite
Osborne's debut novel LET EVENING COME, was the publisher's #1 Bestseller of 2024 and was nominated for the Women’s National Book Association’s Great Group Reads. She is a Pushcart-nominated poet and storyteller. Her poetry and short stories can be found in the Flapper Press, Slippery Elm Literary Journal, Third Coast Review, Full of Crow, Midwest Review, Great Lakes Review, and the Milk House Literary Magazine.
What Readers Are Saying
"Two free-spirits, damaged and impacted by loss forge a connection while navigating the shoals of young adulthood in this cross-border, deeply researched, and engrossing fast- paced read."
Let Evening Come is a compelling contemporary Northern coming-of-age tale, gripping in its conflicts and transfixing in its prose.
-Dave Essinger, author of Running Out, and Editor, Slippery Elm Literary Journal
This is a beautifully written novel that ties together real indigenous and environmental issues, grounded in a bridge between the landscapes of Northern Michigan and Canada. The characters are so nuanced, you feel a familiarity with them and care for them as the book progresses.
As someone who did graduate work in Indigenous environmental/land ethics, I was extremely impressed with the research and storyline. A beautiful book.
- Amanda Hayden
"Let Evening Come" was a well-written, beautiful story. I could not put it down. It's hard to believe this is Osborne's first novel. Can't wait for her second!
-BNiko
“Let Evening Come” by Yvonne Osborne is a poignant and deeply moving narrative that explores themes of loss, love, cultural conflict, and resilience. Set against the backdrop of rural Michigan and western Saskatchewan, the novel weaves together the lives of Sadie Wixom, a young woman grappling with the loss of her mother, and Stefan Montegrand, an Indigenous young man displaced from his ancestral lands. Their story is one of mutual attraction, shared struggles, and the relentless pursuit of understanding and justice in the face of adversity.
— Jeyran Main, REVIEW TALES
Author Yvonne Osborne has crafted a truly emotionally resonant novel that delves into themes of loss, displacement, and cultural conflict. As the characters navigated adversity and sought connection across borders, I found myself deeply invested in their journey, rooting for their love to transcend the obstacles in their path. Overall, Let Evening Come is a recommended read and a compelling tale of love, resilience, and the human capacity to overcome adversity amidst cultural divides.
K.C. Finn at Readers' Favorite
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 8, 2024
“Let Evening Come” by Yvonne Osborne is a poignant and deeply moving narrative that explores themes of loss, love, cultural conflict, and resilience. Set against the backdrop of rural Michigan and western Saskatchewan, the novel weaves together the lives of Sadie Wixom, a young woman grappling with the loss of her mother, and Stefan Montegrand, an Indigenous young man displaced from his ancestral lands. Their story is one of mutual attraction, shared struggles, and the relentless pursuit of understanding and justice in the face of adversity. Osborne skillfully captures the essence of her characters, imbuing them with depth and authenticity that makes their experiences and emotions resonate with the reader. Sadie’s journey from grief to empathy and activism is compelling, as she finds purpose in supporting Stefan’s fight against the injustices faced by his family and community. Stefan, on the other hand, embodies the struggle of Indigenous peoples to preserve their identity and rights in a world that often seems indifferent to their plight.
The novel’s strength lies in its ability to confront difficult topics such as racial prejudice, environmental degradation, and the lasting impacts of colonialism, without losing sight of the individual human stories at its heart. Osborne’s portrayal of the cultural exchange between Sadie and Stefan, and the challenges they face in bridging their different worlds, adds layers of complexity to their relationship and highlights the importance of empathy and open-mindedness.
“Let Evening Come” is beautifully written, with descriptive prose that brings to life the landscapes of Northern Michigan and Saskatchewan, echoing the novel’s themes of displacement and belonging. The love story between Sadie and Stefan is tender and nuanced, evolving against a backdrop of societal tensions and personal trials.
Ultimately, Osborne’s novel is a testament to the power of love and solidarity in overcoming barriers and fighting for justice. It is a thought-provoking read that encourages reflection on our own biases and the ways in which we can support marginalized communities. “Let Evening Come” is a compelling and heartrending story that will linger with readers long after the final page is turned, inspiring hope for a more understanding and compassionate world.
The novel’s strength lies in its ability to confront difficult topics such as racial prejudice, environmental degradation, and the lasting impacts of colonialism, without losing sight of the individual human stories at its heart. Osborne’s portrayal of the cultural exchange between Sadie and Stefan, and the challenges they face in bridging their different worlds, adds layers of complexity to their relationship and highlights the importance of empathy and open-mindedness.
“Let Evening Come” is beautifully written, with descriptive prose that brings to life the landscapes of Northern Michigan and Saskatchewan, echoing the novel’s themes of displacement and belonging. The love story between Sadie and Stefan is tender and nuanced, evolving against a backdrop of societal tensions and personal trials.
Ultimately, Osborne’s novel is a testament to the power of love and solidarity in overcoming barriers and fighting for justice. It is a thought-provoking read that encourages reflection on our own biases and the ways in which we can support marginalized communities. “Let Evening Come” is a compelling and heartrending story that will linger with readers long after the final page is turned, inspiring hope for a more understanding and compassionate world.
April 18, 2024
The writing in this novel is exceptional! I enjoy a story that allows me to experience multiple character perspectives, and I appreciated being able to do that. Sadie and Stefan’s relationship grows as they get to understand one another and face challenges together. I was hooked in from the beginning and had to see how their story ended - couldn’t put it down. A must read!
July 18, 2024
Trying to cope with the recent loss of her mother, Sadie Wixom is immersing herself in the rural Michigan farmstead she shares with her father and Grandfather. When her aunt temporarily houses an Indigenous family from Saskatchewan, Canada, Sadie is intrigued, especially by the son, Stefan.
Both free-spirits, damaged, and impacted by loss, Stefan and Sadie forge a connection. But, as racial bigotry in the local town escalates, and Stefan’s elder brother, Joachim, needs help back in Canada, can Sadie cross the cultural divide or is she hopelessly naïve?...
The first paragraph of Osborne’s absorbingly good story informs the reader of three pivotal events in Sadie Wixom’s life, one that occurred before the novel begins, and two that will become critical junctures in the narrative as it unfolds.
It’s a confident, intriguing start and Osborne cleverly lays a gloss of ambiguity over the three statements before sweeping the reader effortlessly into Sadie’s world, and then Stefan’s.
Let Evening Come can be described as a coming-of-age story but it’s far more layered and intricate than that. Although the burgeoning romance between Sadie and Stefan is at its nucleus and Osborne pitches their exchanges perfectly; nuanced, slow-burning, and softly sensual, she uses the complications of their relationship to foreground issues including displacement, colonialism, and racism.
And, from these wider, societal themes, she explores the personal challenges of identity, grief, and resilience in the face of adversity. It sounds a little complex but it isn’t. Osborne’s wonderfully textured prose, measured tone, and lightness of touch ensure Let Evening Come is a captivating and thought-provoking read that flows with easy fluidity.
The story is told from several perspectives although Sadie’s tends to be the driving point of view. She is an arresting character, vulnerable but oddly tenacious and Stefan provides focus to a life that has become understandably listless since her mother died.
She can be frustrating, as can Stefan. Notwithstanding their cultural differences, they are similar in disposition, and the daily struggles both face also have relatively comparable roots.
The lesser characters are well-depicted, convincing, and investable. Osborne’s dialogue, in particular, is richly authentic and nicely individual, often weighted with unspoken emotion.
The structure and development of the plot in Let Evening Come is deceptively clever. Osborne gives the reader several gripping, purposeful tangents that swirl around Sadie and Stefan adding to the creeping sense of foreboding. However, it is the thrilling subplot involving Joachim that captures attention.
Indeed, Joachim’s trajectory takes the novel into different territory, literally and figuratively. Although disparate in tone, it dovetails neatly with events back in Michigan while providing contrast and a riveting parallel narrative.
Let Evening Come is an atmospheric novel not least due to Osborne’s sense of place, she registers the landscapes of rural Michigan and Western Saskatchewan with an intrinsic feel for space and transitory effects that complement the simmering tensions and dilemmas of her main characters.
The various conflicts with Sadie’s neighbors, the Boltons, peter out a little abruptly, and, personally, a touch more accountability for Josie, Joachim’s girlfriend, would have been satisfying.
Nonetheless, Osborne leaves the reader much as she arrived, with a gentle sprinkling of dreamy vagueness, perfectly fitting this beautifully crafted and compelling novel. Highly recommended.
Both free-spirits, damaged, and impacted by loss, Stefan and Sadie forge a connection. But, as racial bigotry in the local town escalates, and Stefan’s elder brother, Joachim, needs help back in Canada, can Sadie cross the cultural divide or is she hopelessly naïve?...
The first paragraph of Osborne’s absorbingly good story informs the reader of three pivotal events in Sadie Wixom’s life, one that occurred before the novel begins, and two that will become critical junctures in the narrative as it unfolds.
It’s a confident, intriguing start and Osborne cleverly lays a gloss of ambiguity over the three statements before sweeping the reader effortlessly into Sadie’s world, and then Stefan’s.
Let Evening Come can be described as a coming-of-age story but it’s far more layered and intricate than that. Although the burgeoning romance between Sadie and Stefan is at its nucleus and Osborne pitches their exchanges perfectly; nuanced, slow-burning, and softly sensual, she uses the complications of their relationship to foreground issues including displacement, colonialism, and racism.
And, from these wider, societal themes, she explores the personal challenges of identity, grief, and resilience in the face of adversity. It sounds a little complex but it isn’t. Osborne’s wonderfully textured prose, measured tone, and lightness of touch ensure Let Evening Come is a captivating and thought-provoking read that flows with easy fluidity.
The story is told from several perspectives although Sadie’s tends to be the driving point of view. She is an arresting character, vulnerable but oddly tenacious and Stefan provides focus to a life that has become understandably listless since her mother died.
She can be frustrating, as can Stefan. Notwithstanding their cultural differences, they are similar in disposition, and the daily struggles both face also have relatively comparable roots.
The lesser characters are well-depicted, convincing, and investable. Osborne’s dialogue, in particular, is richly authentic and nicely individual, often weighted with unspoken emotion.
The structure and development of the plot in Let Evening Come is deceptively clever. Osborne gives the reader several gripping, purposeful tangents that swirl around Sadie and Stefan adding to the creeping sense of foreboding. However, it is the thrilling subplot involving Joachim that captures attention.
Indeed, Joachim’s trajectory takes the novel into different territory, literally and figuratively. Although disparate in tone, it dovetails neatly with events back in Michigan while providing contrast and a riveting parallel narrative.
Let Evening Come is an atmospheric novel not least due to Osborne’s sense of place, she registers the landscapes of rural Michigan and Western Saskatchewan with an intrinsic feel for space and transitory effects that complement the simmering tensions and dilemmas of her main characters.
The various conflicts with Sadie’s neighbors, the Boltons, peter out a little abruptly, and, personally, a touch more accountability for Josie, Joachim’s girlfriend, would have been satisfying.
Nonetheless, Osborne leaves the reader much as she arrived, with a gentle sprinkling of dreamy vagueness, perfectly fitting this beautifully crafted and compelling novel. Highly recommended.
March 17, 2025
This is a remarkably well written book. It was very well researched and I love that it takes place in Michigan. I can’t wait to read this author’s next book!
December 28, 2024
Let Evening Come is a beautiful narrative that explores love, loss, and cultural identity through the intertwining lives of Sadie Wixom and Stefan Montegrand. Osborne paints vivid landscapes of Michigan and Canada, bringing readers into the unique geographical and emotional terrains her characters traverse.
Osborne’s greatest strength is her ability to craft multifaceted and emotionally resonant characters. Sadie, whose resilience is shaped by the loss of her mother in a tornado, serves as the novel’s emotional core. Her journey is tenderly juxtaposed with Stefan’s displacement from his ancestral land. The novel portrays their connection, which starts out with tension but grows naturally through shared experiences of grief and societal marginalization.
The writing is lyrical without being overwrought, allowing readers to feel connected to different elements of the story such as Sam's and Stefan's tense encounter with one of the Bolton's when they go looking for their boomerang, or Sadie’s growing curiosity about Stefan’s family that her Aunt Helen and Uncle Larry took in. The dialogue is authentic, and Osborne handles the complexities of Indigenous identity and rural American life with sensitivity and nuance. The story reads in such a way that it feels real. There is a lot of backstory that helps to shape the entire narrative, such as Stefan's father supposedly being imprisoned on trumped up charges and the greedy companies that pushed Stefan's people off their land to access uranium and oil.
Readers will appreciate the rich themes of environmental justice, cultural heritage, and youthful rebellion against societal prejudices. Stefan’s internal conflict and his brother Joachim’s activism add depth to the overarching narrative, illustrating the broader implications of land exploitation and Indigenous resistance. What really stands out with Joachim is the backstory of his boarding school days when he was forbidden from and beaten for speaking the native Denesuline language. Many readers will be emotionally connected to Joachim’s character and his story.
The novel ultimately follows Sadie and Stefan as they navigate personal and cultural challenges, which brings them closer to one another. This journey highlights the barriers they face—social, political, and familial—culminating in a narrative that is as much about the resilience of love as it is about the quest for belonging.
The pacing is deliberate but rewarding. Osborne dedicates significant time to character introspection, which enriches the narrative but may slow the momentum in some areas. However, this measured pace allows for a deeper exploration of the novel’s central themes.
The plot balances external conflicts such as displacement and prejudice, with internal struggles, creating a layered reading experience. The dual settings of rural Michigan and Canada provide a compelling backdrop, with nature serving as a silent yet powerful character throughout the novel.
Let Evening Come will resonate deeply with readers who appreciate literary fiction that delves into themes of loss, cultural identity, and environmental justice. Fans of Barbara Kingsolver or Louise Erdrich will find Osborne’s narrative style and thematic focus familiar and compelling. Young adult and adult readers alike will connect with the coming-of-age elements and the broader social commentary woven throughout the novel.
Yvonne Osborne’s Let Evening Come is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that explores the intersections of love, grief, and cultural heritage. It stands as a testament to the power of resilience and the enduring nature of the human spirit. Readers drawn to richly detailed, character-driven narratives will find much to admire in Osborne’s novel.
Osborne’s greatest strength is her ability to craft multifaceted and emotionally resonant characters. Sadie, whose resilience is shaped by the loss of her mother in a tornado, serves as the novel’s emotional core. Her journey is tenderly juxtaposed with Stefan’s displacement from his ancestral land. The novel portrays their connection, which starts out with tension but grows naturally through shared experiences of grief and societal marginalization.
The writing is lyrical without being overwrought, allowing readers to feel connected to different elements of the story such as Sam's and Stefan's tense encounter with one of the Bolton's when they go looking for their boomerang, or Sadie’s growing curiosity about Stefan’s family that her Aunt Helen and Uncle Larry took in. The dialogue is authentic, and Osborne handles the complexities of Indigenous identity and rural American life with sensitivity and nuance. The story reads in such a way that it feels real. There is a lot of backstory that helps to shape the entire narrative, such as Stefan's father supposedly being imprisoned on trumped up charges and the greedy companies that pushed Stefan's people off their land to access uranium and oil.
Readers will appreciate the rich themes of environmental justice, cultural heritage, and youthful rebellion against societal prejudices. Stefan’s internal conflict and his brother Joachim’s activism add depth to the overarching narrative, illustrating the broader implications of land exploitation and Indigenous resistance. What really stands out with Joachim is the backstory of his boarding school days when he was forbidden from and beaten for speaking the native Denesuline language. Many readers will be emotionally connected to Joachim’s character and his story.
The novel ultimately follows Sadie and Stefan as they navigate personal and cultural challenges, which brings them closer to one another. This journey highlights the barriers they face—social, political, and familial—culminating in a narrative that is as much about the resilience of love as it is about the quest for belonging.
The pacing is deliberate but rewarding. Osborne dedicates significant time to character introspection, which enriches the narrative but may slow the momentum in some areas. However, this measured pace allows for a deeper exploration of the novel’s central themes.
The plot balances external conflicts such as displacement and prejudice, with internal struggles, creating a layered reading experience. The dual settings of rural Michigan and Canada provide a compelling backdrop, with nature serving as a silent yet powerful character throughout the novel.
Let Evening Come will resonate deeply with readers who appreciate literary fiction that delves into themes of loss, cultural identity, and environmental justice. Fans of Barbara Kingsolver or Louise Erdrich will find Osborne’s narrative style and thematic focus familiar and compelling. Young adult and adult readers alike will connect with the coming-of-age elements and the broader social commentary woven throughout the novel.
Yvonne Osborne’s Let Evening Come is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that explores the intersections of love, grief, and cultural heritage. It stands as a testament to the power of resilience and the enduring nature of the human spirit. Readers drawn to richly detailed, character-driven narratives will find much to admire in Osborne’s novel.
April 12, 2024
The feeling of "otherness," the daily confrontation with the “Us vs. Them” nature of people, if there is a time when a book like this is most relevant—it is today. The novel’s emotional resonance and detailed portrayal of Sadie and Stefan’s characters set against the backdrop of their respective struggles tugged on my heartstrings. It was something about the way their conversations felt so authentic and the dynamics between them palpable, that I couldn’t stop reading this book.
In Sadie and Stefan’s journey, you are able to see how certain events in our lives or our identities sometimes shape the kind of individual we become in life. Sadie’s transformation from someone stricken by grief to an activist is deeply engaging. She discovers a newfound mission in rallying behind Stefan’s crusade to confront the inequities plaguing his kin and community. Conversely, Stefan represents the ongoing battle of indigenous populations to maintain their heritage and entitlements amidst a society that isn’t accepting of their rights. I am currently living in a multicultural environment surrounded by scholars from diverse countries, and I could relate to the way the book explores cultural misunderstandings and the challenges faced by indigenous communities. The author presents such realities with a focus on fostering genuine empathy and understanding.
Even though the book does have elements of romance, I found it falling more into the literary fiction genre than romance because the social themes resonated more with me. Osborne’s writing is both captivating and poignant, successfully weaving a compelling tale. Overall, “Let Evening Come” is a recommended read for those interested in a moving story that not only provides a window into the complexities of cultural divides but also celebrates the human capacity to overcome adversity.
In Sadie and Stefan’s journey, you are able to see how certain events in our lives or our identities sometimes shape the kind of individual we become in life. Sadie’s transformation from someone stricken by grief to an activist is deeply engaging. She discovers a newfound mission in rallying behind Stefan’s crusade to confront the inequities plaguing his kin and community. Conversely, Stefan represents the ongoing battle of indigenous populations to maintain their heritage and entitlements amidst a society that isn’t accepting of their rights. I am currently living in a multicultural environment surrounded by scholars from diverse countries, and I could relate to the way the book explores cultural misunderstandings and the challenges faced by indigenous communities. The author presents such realities with a focus on fostering genuine empathy and understanding.
Even though the book does have elements of romance, I found it falling more into the literary fiction genre than romance because the social themes resonated more with me. Osborne’s writing is both captivating and poignant, successfully weaving a compelling tale. Overall, “Let Evening Come” is a recommended read for those interested in a moving story that not only provides a window into the complexities of cultural divides but also celebrates the human capacity to overcome adversity.
September 26, 2024
Something clicks when Sadie Wixom spies Stefan Montegrand for the first time, although nothing happens between them just then. Instead, the attachment grows over time. But forging a relationship will be difficult for the pair. Stefan is an Indigenous person from Canada recently displaced from his home in Saskatchewan. Sadie and the rest of her family are grappling with the unexpected death of her mother.
That’s not all. As you might expect, not everyone is happy that Sadie has an interest in an Indigenous foreigner, especially the Boltons, the Wixoms’ hostile neighbors. Let Evening Come follows the two young people as they attempt to forge a relationship. It explores themes of cultural clashes and racial and social prejudice on both sides of the border. (Sadie finds she’s less than welcome when she visits Canada with Stefan).
Transitioning into adulthood is never easy, and the reader feels the growing pains with Stefan and Sadie. The book captures not only the excitement and newness of young love but also the baseless suspicions and petty jealousies that so often affect us in those years. Can Sadie and Stefan come together for a happily-ever-after, or something approaching it? You’ll have to read the book to find out. But no matter what the end of the journey looks like, I’m sure you’ll enjoy the ride.
That’s not all. As you might expect, not everyone is happy that Sadie has an interest in an Indigenous foreigner, especially the Boltons, the Wixoms’ hostile neighbors. Let Evening Come follows the two young people as they attempt to forge a relationship. It explores themes of cultural clashes and racial and social prejudice on both sides of the border. (Sadie finds she’s less than welcome when she visits Canada with Stefan).
Transitioning into adulthood is never easy, and the reader feels the growing pains with Stefan and Sadie. The book captures not only the excitement and newness of young love but also the baseless suspicions and petty jealousies that so often affect us in those years. Can Sadie and Stefan come together for a happily-ever-after, or something approaching it? You’ll have to read the book to find out. But no matter what the end of the journey looks like, I’m sure you’ll enjoy the ride.
May 11, 2024
The beautiful cover of Yvonne Osborne's novel and the title, "Let Evening Come" taken from Jane Kenyon's elegiac poem are an inviting introduction to Osborne's masterful story telling within. Stefan, member of an indigenous Canadian family new to Northern Michigan, meets Sadie who is grieving the loss of her mother. The two, together and apart, navigate the shoals of young adulthood, family, and new love, overcoming cultural difference, misunderstandings and family dysfunction. This is a page-turner of a novel that you will find yourself thinking about long after you have finished reading it.
May 31, 2024
I savored Yvonne Osborne’s Let Evening Come, the beautifully-written story of Sadie, a young woman who’s suffered the loss of her mother, and Stefan, an Indigenous young man who’s been displaced from the land of his ancestors. Let Evening Come offers vividly described settings, beautifully complex characters, and compelling cultural and societal tensions. It’s the emotionally moving love story of Sadie and Stefan and a powerful telling of the struggles each face individually. Let Evening Come is rich in description, conflict, heart, and cultural nuance. A gorgeous debut novel that leaves me excited to read more of Osborne’s work.
May 6, 2024
Powerful!
So many emotions in this novel. You'll be rooting for Sadie and Stefan (and more!) to find their place, to find their people. The writing is beautiful and layered. The characters are complex and intriguing. The story will have you looking at so many things from a new perspective.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book - and I'll be thinking about it for a long time!
So many emotions in this novel. You'll be rooting for Sadie and Stefan (and more!) to find their place, to find their people. The writing is beautiful and layered. The characters are complex and intriguing. The story will have you looking at so many things from a new perspective.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book - and I'll be thinking about it for a long time!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews