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The Olivia Series #2
The Way the World Is
Detroit, Michigan - 1842
After the devastating trauma she suffered in "Olivia, Mourning" and finally knowing the reality with which she must contend, Olivia strives to rebuild herself - emotionally, socially, and financially.
She starts a new life in Detroit, the young and exciting city on a river where she has come to feel at home. New friends help the healing process, while she continues her search for the two people she loves, who have disappeared from her life. She finds the greatest solace in helping fugitive slaves escape over the river to Canada. She believes, as one of her new friends says, "In this time and place it is the most worthy thing a person can do."
Olivia remains a compelling protagonist on a journey to find a way to do the right thing in a world in which so much is wrong.
After the devastating trauma she suffered in "Olivia, Mourning" and finally knowing the reality with which she must contend, Olivia strives to rebuild herself - emotionally, socially, and financially.
She starts a new life in Detroit, the young and exciting city on a river where she has come to feel at home. New friends help the healing process, while she continues her search for the two people she loves, who have disappeared from her life. She finds the greatest solace in helping fugitive slaves escape over the river to Canada. She believes, as one of her new friends says, "In this time and place it is the most worthy thing a person can do."
Olivia remains a compelling protagonist on a journey to find a way to do the right thing in a world in which so much is wrong.
353 pages, Paperback
First published November 30, 2013
420 people are currently reading
297 people want to read
About the author
Yael Politis
13 books58 followersI grew up in Dearborn, Michigan, in the house on the cover of Book 3 of the Olivia series, not far from the location of Olivia's farm.
While studying at the Universities of Michigan and Wisconsin, I spent two summers in Israel and ended up coming back to make my life here. Since then I've spent a lot of time traveling between the Middle East and the Midwest, loving both my homes.
While living on Kibbutz Ein Tsurim I learned the story of the Etzion Bloc during Israel’s War of Independence – from people who had lived through it. It was many years before I dared to try to put it down on paper. At that time, fantasies aside, I considered writing nothing more than a hobby.
I did, however, post the first chapters of The Lonely Tree on a writers' workshop run by the London Arts Council. There it received a Book of the Year award and Holland Park Press of London asked to see the complete manuscript. Not long afterwards I received an email from them. “We want to publish your book.” Hey, you never know when a fantasy is going to come true.
For years I had been researching the backdrop for Olivia's story and based many of the details in the Olivia Series on letters and journals passed down through my family, over seven generations of lives lived in the American Midwest. I also received a great deal of information and insight from my sister Martha, who lived with her husband in a modern log home, hunted her own land, cut her own firewood, and was as independent and stubborn as Olivia. Then self-publishing happened. The prospect of being able to publish that story independently was a great motivator, and I finally completed and published the five books of the Olivia series.
While studying at the Universities of Michigan and Wisconsin, I spent two summers in Israel and ended up coming back to make my life here. Since then I've spent a lot of time traveling between the Middle East and the Midwest, loving both my homes.
While living on Kibbutz Ein Tsurim I learned the story of the Etzion Bloc during Israel’s War of Independence – from people who had lived through it. It was many years before I dared to try to put it down on paper. At that time, fantasies aside, I considered writing nothing more than a hobby.
I did, however, post the first chapters of The Lonely Tree on a writers' workshop run by the London Arts Council. There it received a Book of the Year award and Holland Park Press of London asked to see the complete manuscript. Not long afterwards I received an email from them. “We want to publish your book.” Hey, you never know when a fantasy is going to come true.
For years I had been researching the backdrop for Olivia's story and based many of the details in the Olivia Series on letters and journals passed down through my family, over seven generations of lives lived in the American Midwest. I also received a great deal of information and insight from my sister Martha, who lived with her husband in a modern log home, hunted her own land, cut her own firewood, and was as independent and stubborn as Olivia. Then self-publishing happened. The prospect of being able to publish that story independently was a great motivator, and I finally completed and published the five books of the Olivia series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
January 7, 2014
"The Way the World Is" by Yael Politis is the second book in a series and it follows on from a somewhat open ending in book one and tells another amazing chapter in the life of Olivia, the main character of both books. The story as it happened in book one is explained in enough detail to understand plot and character development and it works very well as a stand alone opus.
However, the first book is very much worth reading so maybe if you consider doing so watch out for spoilers in this review.
Olivia bears the consequences of her actions in book one and makes a tough decision in order to move on with her life. With sorrow and regret but her usual determination she carries on to make the most of her life and her gifts. She returns home to lay claim to the land she has earned but her emotional ties and her personal convictions lead her on another difficult path; a new life, a new city, a new purpose and another dramatic ending.
Olivia is a great character, her good soul a great tool to reflect on the times of 1842 in terms of racial, gender and religious equality. So much is said within those words, so many of Olivias remarks are truthful and powerful.
I applaud Politis for a great second book that really isn't just a sequel or a simple continuation. The events are plausible, logical yet not predictable. I enjoyed this book even more than the first for that reason.
Well written, evenly paced and with a cast of great supporting characters this truly is a good read.
However, the first book is very much worth reading so maybe if you consider doing so watch out for spoilers in this review.
Olivia bears the consequences of her actions in book one and makes a tough decision in order to move on with her life. With sorrow and regret but her usual determination she carries on to make the most of her life and her gifts. She returns home to lay claim to the land she has earned but her emotional ties and her personal convictions lead her on another difficult path; a new life, a new city, a new purpose and another dramatic ending.
Olivia is a great character, her good soul a great tool to reflect on the times of 1842 in terms of racial, gender and religious equality. So much is said within those words, so many of Olivias remarks are truthful and powerful.
I applaud Politis for a great second book that really isn't just a sequel or a simple continuation. The events are plausible, logical yet not predictable. I enjoyed this book even more than the first for that reason.
Well written, evenly paced and with a cast of great supporting characters this truly is a good read.
May 31, 2018
More, more!
Sure want to find out what happens next..my interest is now centered on Mourning and Little Boy. Olivia's life loses believability in this book, but holds my interest enough to want to read the rest of the series.
Sure want to find out what happens next..my interest is now centered on Mourning and Little Boy. Olivia's life loses believability in this book, but holds my interest enough to want to read the rest of the series.
June 5, 2020
The Way the World is by Yael Politis is a sequel to the book Olivia, Mourning. Although I enjoyed the first book, I liked this book more than the first one in the series. It seemed more realistic to me. Also, there are events that take place in it which were of great interest to me.
This novel takes up where the first novel ended---Olivia has fled back to the small town in Pennsylvania where her family lives after having through a horrible ordeal in Michigan and being separated from her friend Mourning Free. At the beginning of this novel, her baby is born and it is immediately obvious that the child is Mourning's son. However, she doesn't know where he is and no one else in town does either. After making the difficult decision to give up her baby to be adopted, she returns to Michigan to claim her deed to the land she and Mourning Free had farmed. Once there, she begins a new life in Detroit with friends she makes there. She becomes involved with the underground railroad through a boardinghouse she buys. Through all of this, she continues to search for Mourning Free to let him know about his son.
Olivia has really changed in this novel from being a naive girl always depending on others to a young woman who has become confident in herself and willing to make decisions on her own whether they appear to others to be the right ones. She also has a network of friends and people who help her because they respect and like her. She is no longer at the mercy of others all the time.
Her involvement with the underground railroad was a definite plus in my enjoyment of the novel. She not only becomes involved but is passionate about helping the black people she meets.
Although I've long been familiar the underground railroad, I had not read about people who lived
near the Canada border who helped people across. This novel is set in 1842 and the author makes it clear that even as far north as Michigan, at that time many of the white people there looked down upon the black people and discriminate against them.
I highly recommend this novel to those who enjoy historical fiction and especially anyone who is interested in the underground railroad.
This novel takes up where the first novel ended---Olivia has fled back to the small town in Pennsylvania where her family lives after having through a horrible ordeal in Michigan and being separated from her friend Mourning Free. At the beginning of this novel, her baby is born and it is immediately obvious that the child is Mourning's son. However, she doesn't know where he is and no one else in town does either. After making the difficult decision to give up her baby to be adopted, she returns to Michigan to claim her deed to the land she and Mourning Free had farmed. Once there, she begins a new life in Detroit with friends she makes there. She becomes involved with the underground railroad through a boardinghouse she buys. Through all of this, she continues to search for Mourning Free to let him know about his son.
Olivia has really changed in this novel from being a naive girl always depending on others to a young woman who has become confident in herself and willing to make decisions on her own whether they appear to others to be the right ones. She also has a network of friends and people who help her because they respect and like her. She is no longer at the mercy of others all the time.
Her involvement with the underground railroad was a definite plus in my enjoyment of the novel. She not only becomes involved but is passionate about helping the black people she meets.
Although I've long been familiar the underground railroad, I had not read about people who lived
near the Canada border who helped people across. This novel is set in 1842 and the author makes it clear that even as far north as Michigan, at that time many of the white people there looked down upon the black people and discriminate against them.
I highly recommend this novel to those who enjoy historical fiction and especially anyone who is interested in the underground railroad.
December 12, 2014
This second book in the Olivia series by Yael Politis takes up where the first novel ended, with Olivia Killion’s world, like the wider world around her, facing sudden unpredictable change. Dreamer Olivia still imagines a perfect life for herself, sitting on a porch, ignoring slavery, shucking corn, watching her child, and waiting for her husband to come home. But past events have made this difficult. Instead she flees to a dream long gone and ends up in a swiftly changing Detroit.
Chance meetings and honest compassion lead Olivia beyond the selfish naivety of her own desires. Innocent questions—“Do colored children go to school?”—reveal the darkness of a singularly unequal equality, even as colored slaves still struggle to buy their freedom. And the story of one woman’s coming of age reveals the coming of age of country and people too.
Well-researched history underlies these pages, painting them with delightful, convincing detail. Well-drawn scenes evoke the world of the time, with winter’s snow and ice on the lake, and frantic dashes to freedom. A town grows up, filled with a wealth of characters and needs, beautiful voices, and thoughtful conversations that draw the reader in. Accents are readable and real—a serious achievement!—and plots and plans come to realistically satisfying conclusions.
The Way the World Is doesn’t sugar-coat the world or direct its path, but invites readers to see hope behind pain, and joy in honest acceptance. None of us, not even Olivia, needs to achieve all our dreams to find the power that comes from a worthy peace.
Disclosure: I was lucky enough to find this when it was free and I loved it.
Chance meetings and honest compassion lead Olivia beyond the selfish naivety of her own desires. Innocent questions—“Do colored children go to school?”—reveal the darkness of a singularly unequal equality, even as colored slaves still struggle to buy their freedom. And the story of one woman’s coming of age reveals the coming of age of country and people too.
Well-researched history underlies these pages, painting them with delightful, convincing detail. Well-drawn scenes evoke the world of the time, with winter’s snow and ice on the lake, and frantic dashes to freedom. A town grows up, filled with a wealth of characters and needs, beautiful voices, and thoughtful conversations that draw the reader in. Accents are readable and real—a serious achievement!—and plots and plans come to realistically satisfying conclusions.
The Way the World Is doesn’t sugar-coat the world or direct its path, but invites readers to see hope behind pain, and joy in honest acceptance. None of us, not even Olivia, needs to achieve all our dreams to find the power that comes from a worthy peace.
Disclosure: I was lucky enough to find this when it was free and I loved it.
January 15, 2014
From the author:
I would like to share with you an extract of the review of The Way the World Is that will appear in the February 2014 Issue of Midwest Book Review:
”… Fans of Olivia, Mourning will find this sequel no less engrossing, with its gritty protagonist who is determined to forge her own unique path in life … The Way the World Is covers a variety of themes: personal growth, change, destiny, responsibility and, ultimately, the costs of love … Perhaps the most powerful passage of all sums up in a nutshell what motivates Olivia to keep hope and determination alive, even in the face of despair: ‘As long as we draw breath, nothing in this life is final.’ Some books stand alone and require no prior familiarity with others in their series … but don’t miss Olivia, Mourning. It sets the stage for an ongoing saga rich in detail, history, and perspective. Together, the two books offer a powerful saga that makes for thoroughly engrossing, compelling historical fiction at its best.”
– D. Donovan, Senior eBook Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
Ms. Donovan also reviewed Olivia, Mourning in the January 2014 Issue of MBR.
The full text of both reviews is available on my blog. However, be warned that the review of The Way the World Is contains spoilers. It is a very difficult book to review without giving things away.
Review of Olivia, Mourning (Book 1): http://yaelpolitis.wordpress.com/oliv...
Review of The Way the World Is (Book 2): http://yaelpolitis.wordpress.com/the-...
I would like to share with you an extract of the review of The Way the World Is that will appear in the February 2014 Issue of Midwest Book Review:
”… Fans of Olivia, Mourning will find this sequel no less engrossing, with its gritty protagonist who is determined to forge her own unique path in life … The Way the World Is covers a variety of themes: personal growth, change, destiny, responsibility and, ultimately, the costs of love … Perhaps the most powerful passage of all sums up in a nutshell what motivates Olivia to keep hope and determination alive, even in the face of despair: ‘As long as we draw breath, nothing in this life is final.’ Some books stand alone and require no prior familiarity with others in their series … but don’t miss Olivia, Mourning. It sets the stage for an ongoing saga rich in detail, history, and perspective. Together, the two books offer a powerful saga that makes for thoroughly engrossing, compelling historical fiction at its best.”
– D. Donovan, Senior eBook Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
Ms. Donovan also reviewed Olivia, Mourning in the January 2014 Issue of MBR.
The full text of both reviews is available on my blog. However, be warned that the review of The Way the World Is contains spoilers. It is a very difficult book to review without giving things away.
Review of Olivia, Mourning (Book 1): http://yaelpolitis.wordpress.com/oliv...
Review of The Way the World Is (Book 2): http://yaelpolitis.wordpress.com/the-...
April 28, 2020
This second book in the series is just as delicious as the first. I bonded with most of the characters as with new friends; they’re all richly multilayered, empathic characters that drive a remarkable story forward in an engaging manner. I’ve never before crumbled into a heap of tears due to the passing away of one of the characters that isn’t even one of the main ones. That being said, the main character, Olivia, changes too dramatically for my taste in this book. She’s almost a completely different person and not quite as believable. But the book had me in stitches and in tears and had me on the edge of my seat enough with excellent writing not to drop the one star.
This is more than a tale of slavery and freedom. It is about confronting formidable challenges and rising above them against all odds. It is by turns hilarious, witty and heartbreaking. The last 15% of the book loses its way a little and I’m concerned the third installment is not going to meet up to expectations set by the first 2. But we shall see...
This is more than a tale of slavery and freedom. It is about confronting formidable challenges and rising above them against all odds. It is by turns hilarious, witty and heartbreaking. The last 15% of the book loses its way a little and I’m concerned the third installment is not going to meet up to expectations set by the first 2. But we shall see...
March 15, 2018
This second book in a series, "The Way the World Is," follows the story of Olivia Killion in early 19th century rural Pennsylvania and Detroit, Michigan, addressing the issues of the abolitionist movement, hired slave catchers, and the Underground Railroad. As with the first book, I thought the author often invested the characters with 21st century thinking and manners of speech that seem anachronistic in this time frame. I also find the character of the protagonist to be inconsistent and confusing at times, almost what we would label bipolar, although given a mention that there were rumors that her mother was "not right in the head," perhaps this is deliberate. The story, however, is quite interesting, and I do believe the historical details are accurate. I will continue following the story of this unusual woman.
July 16, 2021
Beautiful series
I love series where the books take you into their world and make you feel as though you were present in the moment. You are engaged with the characters as though you have met them personally. They are your very close friend, acquaintance, or even a mystery to be wary of... they are so life-like you could swear they are in the history books.
This writer takes us to a time in America many want to erase. We are angered or embarrassed by the way things were. But it shows, not just the ugliness of slavery and racism, as well as our intolerance of different faiths; it shows us that there have been people who fought it then, as they are fighting now. We are in a continual flux of learning from mistakes. This book, for me, shows such unconditional love and respect for all people.
I love series where the books take you into their world and make you feel as though you were present in the moment. You are engaged with the characters as though you have met them personally. They are your very close friend, acquaintance, or even a mystery to be wary of... they are so life-like you could swear they are in the history books.
This writer takes us to a time in America many want to erase. We are angered or embarrassed by the way things were. But it shows, not just the ugliness of slavery and racism, as well as our intolerance of different faiths; it shows us that there have been people who fought it then, as they are fighting now. We are in a continual flux of learning from mistakes. This book, for me, shows such unconditional love and respect for all people.
December 29, 2017
GOOD READS and EXCELENT WRITER
I was raised to believe you should not judge a person by their race, religion or color. I am so glad my mother was so strong with this belief and engrained it into my feelings so strongly. I am now 83 years old and I still feel this way. I feel my life has been much enriched by my black friends. I
Feel this writer has done a great job in writing with no prejudices at all. We have come a long way down the way but it is not far enough yet. Bless this writer for her broad minded way of writing. This is a good series I have read the first 3 and starting the 4th. Good reading and well written.
I was raised to believe you should not judge a person by their race, religion or color. I am so glad my mother was so strong with this belief and engrained it into my feelings so strongly. I am now 83 years old and I still feel this way. I feel my life has been much enriched by my black friends. I
Feel this writer has done a great job in writing with no prejudices at all. We have come a long way down the way but it is not far enough yet. Bless this writer for her broad minded way of writing. This is a good series I have read the first 3 and starting the 4th. Good reading and well written.
August 11, 2019
Excellent, but read it only after having read "Olivia, Mourning," another excellent read (and a free Kindle book)! Reading this book to finish the plot from the original book in the series, I was surprised by the direction Olivia would take. A self-effacing protagonist who seems always led to do the right thing, Olivia is a compelling survivor whose simple thought processes lead to some deep introspection: "So, it makes you wonder--how many other times might there have been a person in your life, someone who needed something that would have made all the difference to them, some tiny little thing, and you didn't help."
March 14, 2023
To find peace of mind, to live a life of purpose, a person must bind their life to world larger than that we sre capable of seeing.
It got me thinking how so many exceptional people have unfortunate faces. Made me wonder if it's the burden of looking that way that compells them to do good deeds, or if God makes them like that- virtous, but not beautiful- to force us to recognize whatis not important in the measure of a man.
It's what we're meant to do,
Live the best we can. And then we're meant to die.
It got me thinking how so many exceptional people have unfortunate faces. Made me wonder if it's the burden of looking that way that compells them to do good deeds, or if God makes them like that- virtous, but not beautiful- to force us to recognize whatis not important in the measure of a man.
It's what we're meant to do,
Live the best we can. And then we're meant to die.
January 14, 2019
I simply do not have adequate words to properly express how this series has impacted me. This series is a must read. This author is an outstanding story teller. Its like you are truly there. I haven't been able to part with the books for more then an hour at a time before diving back in. You will fall in love with the characters, they become so real to you, as if they are your friends. Outstanding work, can't say enough.
February 27, 2018
I really loved this book, along with the first one! The characters are well-rounded. I read both of these books within a week, and wanted more. I was not happy with the ending, though. And I've read enough reviews of the 3rd book that makes me not want to rush out to get it :(. I really wish the next volumes followed along on Olivia's adventures.
Read
March 26, 2020when i finished book 1 Olivia,Mourning i could hardly wait to read The Way the World and it didn't
disappoint me. It's a wonderful book that will stand on it's own if the first is not read but just continues to compliment the first and carry on with the times and story. There are suddenly happy endings to these books but just life as would normally carry on.
disappoint me. It's a wonderful book that will stand on it's own if the first is not read but just continues to compliment the first and carry on with the times and story. There are suddenly happy endings to these books but just life as would normally carry on.
February 16, 2021
I downloaded this book as soon as I finished reading the first book in the Olivia series. I was anxious to continue the journey with this young girl, forgetting at times actually how young she was. Unsure how historically accurate this series is I found it all to be quite believable. The characters all came to life for me.
March 2, 2022
Book 2 of the Olivia Series. It is based prior to the civil war and explores the relationship between a young white girl/woman and a free black boy/man and all the complications of the time period that entails. I highly recommend this entire series if you enjoy historical fiction and are interested in learning more about this time period.
September 11, 2022
Olivia struggles with her past while building a lucrative future in Detroit. Making new friends and reuniting with some old ones, settling her boarding house as a station on the Underground Railroad. Very interesting book and the author definitely leaves cliffhangers at the end to be sure to entice you to read the following books.
March 3, 2018
The Way
This series of Books give so much in so Little space, a Book written for Yesterday by Author Yael Politis! You did it, you gave us Yesterday! Life to remember.Was easy to give 5 🌟 Rating
This series of Books give so much in so Little space, a Book written for Yesterday by Author Yael Politis! You did it, you gave us Yesterday! Life to remember.Was easy to give 5 🌟 Rating
November 22, 2018
I loved the Olivia series so much a few years ago that I decided to re-read them before the next in the series comes out (hopefully soon). Such endearing characters and a wonderful portrayal of a difficult time in this country (early 1840s). Well done
March 22, 2020
Olivia's story pulls you in
I'm not sure where I thought this story was going to lead, but I was still surprised. Olivia worked really hard to build herself a good life in Detroit. It was all the people that came and went throughout that were the real surprises.
I'm not sure where I thought this story was going to lead, but I was still surprised. Olivia worked really hard to build herself a good life in Detroit. It was all the people that came and went throughout that were the real surprises.
April 8, 2020
Marvelous
Like the first story, this one really beautiful written. The characters are also totally interesting. I know they were real people, but the author has brought them to life in a special way that makes you want to meet them.
Like the first story, this one really beautiful written. The characters are also totally interesting. I know they were real people, but the author has brought them to life in a special way that makes you want to meet them.
January 29, 2021
Hurry and read these series you won't be disappointed
This author keeps me on my toes. Never know what's next. I can't wait to read the next in series. I want to see what happened to morning and Olivia. People helping with the underground railroad keeps the mystery real.
This author keeps me on my toes. Never know what's next. I can't wait to read the next in series. I want to see what happened to morning and Olivia. People helping with the underground railroad keeps the mystery real.
February 6, 2022
The Way the World Is
The life of Olivia continues in with the birth of Mourning’s son, finding him a home and a new life in Michigan. It’s written well and keeps you interested in her life.
The life of Olivia continues in with the birth of Mourning’s son, finding him a home and a new life in Michigan. It’s written well and keeps you interested in her life.
July 4, 2025
A chapter to read
I find this book hard to put down, how ever I would like the story to end, so I can get things done around my house. I won't be able to read the next book for some time.
I find this book hard to put down, how ever I would like the story to end, so I can get things done around my house. I won't be able to read the next book for some time.
March 9, 2017
<3 <3 <3
Read
June 23, 2019Good read, enjoyed the series.
March 17, 2020
The Way the World Is
4/5 stars. Excellent continuation of the story, but not quite as intriguing as Olivia, Mourning. Great character building and realistic.
4/5 stars. Excellent continuation of the story, but not quite as intriguing as Olivia, Mourning. Great character building and realistic.
April 2, 2020
Very good sequel to number 1
April 4, 2020
Review
Interesting book, hard to put down. Good details of the Underground Railroad and the dangers faced by everyone involved. It's worth reading.
Interesting book, hard to put down. Good details of the Underground Railroad and the dangers faced by everyone involved. It's worth reading.
April 30, 2020
I can't put these books down! Incredible historical detail, with honest inner dialogue full of human doubts.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews