Bessie

by Cathi Bond

Cathi Bond’s novel is a sweeping family saga that begins in The Great Depression, highlighting the story of a struggling nation, and ends with heart-breaking personal sacrifices made during the Second World War. At its centre is Bessie Barnes, a mother of two, determined to be seen as a woman of good standing within her rural community.

Bessie’s personal world is suddenly upended when Edward, a young historian she met at a dance when she was only 19, turns up on the family’s doorstep penniless - only to discover that he’s her absent brother-in-law. While trying to be a perfect wife, perfect mother, and a perfect neighbour, Bessie, pushed to her breaking point, comes to realize that ultimately, all that is required of her is to be true to her own heart.

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 15, 2024

Reviews

[Joe Mahoney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I’ve read from Cathi Bond, the first being Night Town, which quite impressed me. Cathi Bond is an excellent story teller and she has a great story in Bessie, which is set in a bit of a dark period in Canada’s past, a period we don’t hear much about. Bessie is set predominantly during the Great Depression leading up to the Second World War. Cathi has obviously done her research and done it well. She hitches this historical background to a classic “love triangle” story engine to great effect. Smouldering emotions ensue. Cathi keeps the action and emotions moving, deftly setting up situations that place her characters in jeopardy, both physically and morally. Endings aren’t always happy in Bessie, though some are. And because I cared about the characters in Bessie, those endings mattered to me.

I thoroughly enjoyed Bessie’s tale and that of the men in her life, and I look forward to the next book in Cathi Bond’s Women of Good Standing trilogy.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bessie is a woman tormented but unrequited love and her desire to be seen as an upstanding woman deserving of respect from everyone in her small rural town, and her family. Set during the Great Depression, this family saga embraces the many challenges of that time, from poverty, to political. So much has changed since then, yet through the finely developed characters who occupy the pages, it suggests just how vulnerable society is.

One of the most intriguing things, for this reader, was how a piece of Canadian history, told through the experiences of the Barnes family, offers a deeper understanding of that era.

This story is definitely worth reading.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this historical fiction book.I moved into the farming community that is referenced in the book 33 years ago and my husband's family have farmed in this area for over 150 years so I appreciated the references to the area. This historical fiction book really caught my eye with how people really haven't changed that much 100 years later. The secrets and relationships are still going on. An excellent read that I recommend.

[Sue Hilborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cathi Bond has captured the personality of rural, Ontario Canada. The characters have lots of depth and draw you into their stories. Some characters still live in our rural community, others I despised. Were people really that petty??
Glad I got to read Bessie and await the rest of the series.

[Jairus Maus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raw and tender story of joy and heartbreak in a community touched by the war and depression while dealing with real family life in rural Ontario. A great read with touching vivid description to create feelings and memories to stay with you.

[Elyse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression and World War II, Cathi Bond weaves together the compelling tale of the Barnes family. Filled with desire and repression, joy and despair, anger and forgiveness, the story draws you in and keeps you totally engrossed. A family saga that is perfect to curl up with and get lost in.