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Sarah Berry’s Legacy #2
The Seeds of Sorrow
Art and Agnes Craig are young, newly married, and in love. It should be the time of their lives. But it is the Twenties and Thirties; their world is mired in Prohibition and the Great Depression, and the lingering effects of the First World War have a firm grip on Art.
For Art, the war won't end. His memories thrust him back at every turn, playing out with terrifying intensity. Agnes is devastated as she watches her husband suffer and wants desperately to help, but denial is so much easier. A devastating accident, an irreversible moment in time, takes Art one step closer to the edge of himself, and Agnes must decide to take matters into her own hands or risk losing all that she holds dear.
In The Seeds of Sorrow, the sequel to The Porter's Wife, the Berry family saga continues almost twenty years after Agnes and her family left the grit and grime of 1904 Manchester behind for a new life in Canada.
For Art, the war won't end. His memories thrust him back at every turn, playing out with terrifying intensity. Agnes is devastated as she watches her husband suffer and wants desperately to help, but denial is so much easier. A devastating accident, an irreversible moment in time, takes Art one step closer to the edge of himself, and Agnes must decide to take matters into her own hands or risk losing all that she holds dear.
In The Seeds of Sorrow, the sequel to The Porter's Wife, the Berry family saga continues almost twenty years after Agnes and her family left the grit and grime of 1904 Manchester behind for a new life in Canada.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
343 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 2, 2014
About the author
Lisa Brown
3 books42 followersAs a writer, I am intrigued by the results of life's random and unexpected events and how they can echo down through the generations. Digging into the past has led to the discovery of a wealth of fascinating people, places, and events, and a desire to tell some of their stories. The ones having to do with my native Canada are the ones I am most passionate about.
Follow me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/lisabrownbooks
Follow me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/lisabrownbooks
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 14, 2014
Sequel to The Porter's Wife. Another beautifully written novel by this author. Heart wrenching. Leaves you wanting more. Although this is a sequel, it is also an excellent stand alone book. Once you read it though, you will want to read the first book. I would highly suggest starting with The Porter's Wife.
July 3, 2014
Five Star review from Readers' Favorite. Full review and additional reviews at https://readersfavorite.com/book-revi...
Weddings, births, pursuits of better lives in a post war depression, aging parents and death are the seeds sown in The Seeds of Sorrow. One family’s story is told, spanning through generations - children grow up, get married, dream dreams and follow them. Lisa Brown’s The Seeds of Sorrow centers on the life of Agnes Craig. Agnes was a young child when her family traveled from England to Winnipeg, Canada. Whatever memories she had from her distant childhood home have now faded. Agnes matured into a practical, hard-headed, sarcastic “take charge gal.” Agnes loves to be busy; she never acts spontaneously or on a whim, believing nothing good comes from change. Agnes marries Art, who suffers from “shell shock” after serving in WWI. He is haunted by the demons of war. “Every memory plays out in detail, tormenting his soul with exact precision.” Agnes was determined; she would support Art, no matter what happened. They live in a time and in a land of extremes. In a blink of an eye, the path of their lives changes drastically. God alters their direction, “with no explanation, no apology.” Can forgiveness and unconditional love piece together their fragmented and broken lives? Will there be an end or only another doorway in time?
The Seeds of Sorrow is the continuing story of the characters from Lisa Brown’s The Porter’s Wife. The novel is figuratively written, full of insightful and passionate descriptions, and romantic and poignant language. Lisa Brown reveals her love for her native homeland as she writes of the extreme nature and beauty of Canada. Her appreciation for history shines through as well as she depicts the harsh reality of the economic crash after World War I. Being a student of the effects of PTSD on today’s soldier, I was very impressed with her portrayal of PTSD (shell shock) in Art Craig’s character. Lisa Brown paints a sad, but true-life illustration of the never-ending trauma for the war veteran and his family. The characters in The Seeds of Sorrow develop and arc with dynamic precision. Its plot ebbs with waves of familial warmth and love and then crashes unexpectedly with the gale forces of grief and despair. The ending was brutal, certainly not a happily ever after resolution. Therefore, I am hoping that Lisa Brown has one more story in her, making this saga a trilogy of triumph.
Weddings, births, pursuits of better lives in a post war depression, aging parents and death are the seeds sown in The Seeds of Sorrow. One family’s story is told, spanning through generations - children grow up, get married, dream dreams and follow them. Lisa Brown’s The Seeds of Sorrow centers on the life of Agnes Craig. Agnes was a young child when her family traveled from England to Winnipeg, Canada. Whatever memories she had from her distant childhood home have now faded. Agnes matured into a practical, hard-headed, sarcastic “take charge gal.” Agnes loves to be busy; she never acts spontaneously or on a whim, believing nothing good comes from change. Agnes marries Art, who suffers from “shell shock” after serving in WWI. He is haunted by the demons of war. “Every memory plays out in detail, tormenting his soul with exact precision.” Agnes was determined; she would support Art, no matter what happened. They live in a time and in a land of extremes. In a blink of an eye, the path of their lives changes drastically. God alters their direction, “with no explanation, no apology.” Can forgiveness and unconditional love piece together their fragmented and broken lives? Will there be an end or only another doorway in time?
The Seeds of Sorrow is the continuing story of the characters from Lisa Brown’s The Porter’s Wife. The novel is figuratively written, full of insightful and passionate descriptions, and romantic and poignant language. Lisa Brown reveals her love for her native homeland as she writes of the extreme nature and beauty of Canada. Her appreciation for history shines through as well as she depicts the harsh reality of the economic crash after World War I. Being a student of the effects of PTSD on today’s soldier, I was very impressed with her portrayal of PTSD (shell shock) in Art Craig’s character. Lisa Brown paints a sad, but true-life illustration of the never-ending trauma for the war veteran and his family. The characters in The Seeds of Sorrow develop and arc with dynamic precision. Its plot ebbs with waves of familial warmth and love and then crashes unexpectedly with the gale forces of grief and despair. The ending was brutal, certainly not a happily ever after resolution. Therefore, I am hoping that Lisa Brown has one more story in her, making this saga a trilogy of triumph.
July 11, 2014
Beautiful. Lisa Brown does a beautiful job of capturing the voice of her protagonists, and paints a moving picture for her audience. My only problem with her books is that I keep reading them while on aeroplanes, and end up sniveling and sobbing to myself in the window seat!
February 3, 2024
That’s how it ended?!!!?!?
December 1, 2014
A Review
The Seeds of Sorrow by Lisa Brown
The Seeds of Sorrow is a very well-written historical fiction, family saga. The time period encompasses approximately fifteen years, beginning in 1919.
In Lisa Brown’s previous novel, The Porter’s Wife, Sarah, a widow with 5 children, had emigrated from Manchester, England, settling in Winnipeg, Canada in 1904. Sarah found love again and Sam became a real father to all of Sarah’s children. This novel, The Seeds of Sorrow, focuses on the adult lives of 3 of Sarah’s children, Margaret, Agnes and Mary with the principal character being Agnes. This novel does stand alone, but is all the more captivating having read The Porter’s Wife.
The story begins with the marriage of Agnes and ends with the death of her husband. The years in between were filled with love and support for each other, the birth of two children, the trials of coping with a shell-shocked husband, a move from Winnipeg to Vancouver, their attempts at creating a life when work was scarce, the tragic death of their son and then the depression and the denials. Throughout, the reader feels the importance of family, the close knit family relationships and the strong work ethic to be self-supporting and independent. The ending to the story was so appropriate and it was expected but at the same time I hated that Art’s life had to end the way it did.
The women in this story are very strong. Agnes’ strength throughout her marriage to her husband, Art was unbelievable. Unfortunately she did not share her burdens and sorrows with her sisters but then she was far too proud and too strong of a character for that. Had she shared her heavy load, perhaps her destiny would have been much different from that depicted in the Prologue.
The historical events and places in this story have been well researched and written with accuracy in every detail: the Great Depression, Prohibition, descriptions of railway stations and streets, the Vancouver environs.
The author has cleverly created emotional and vivid pictures in brief, two or three sentence paragraphs of captivating description which, in my opinion, was exceptionally well done.
I did find that The Seeds of Sorrow was slow moving in the beginning but following the family’s move to Vancouver, I was totally hooked and did not want to put the story down. Overall, it was a great story and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good read and especially to those who like historical fiction.
The Seeds of Sorrow by Lisa Brown
The Seeds of Sorrow is a very well-written historical fiction, family saga. The time period encompasses approximately fifteen years, beginning in 1919.
In Lisa Brown’s previous novel, The Porter’s Wife, Sarah, a widow with 5 children, had emigrated from Manchester, England, settling in Winnipeg, Canada in 1904. Sarah found love again and Sam became a real father to all of Sarah’s children. This novel, The Seeds of Sorrow, focuses on the adult lives of 3 of Sarah’s children, Margaret, Agnes and Mary with the principal character being Agnes. This novel does stand alone, but is all the more captivating having read The Porter’s Wife.
The story begins with the marriage of Agnes and ends with the death of her husband. The years in between were filled with love and support for each other, the birth of two children, the trials of coping with a shell-shocked husband, a move from Winnipeg to Vancouver, their attempts at creating a life when work was scarce, the tragic death of their son and then the depression and the denials. Throughout, the reader feels the importance of family, the close knit family relationships and the strong work ethic to be self-supporting and independent. The ending to the story was so appropriate and it was expected but at the same time I hated that Art’s life had to end the way it did.
The women in this story are very strong. Agnes’ strength throughout her marriage to her husband, Art was unbelievable. Unfortunately she did not share her burdens and sorrows with her sisters but then she was far too proud and too strong of a character for that. Had she shared her heavy load, perhaps her destiny would have been much different from that depicted in the Prologue.
The historical events and places in this story have been well researched and written with accuracy in every detail: the Great Depression, Prohibition, descriptions of railway stations and streets, the Vancouver environs.
The author has cleverly created emotional and vivid pictures in brief, two or three sentence paragraphs of captivating description which, in my opinion, was exceptionally well done.
I did find that The Seeds of Sorrow was slow moving in the beginning but following the family’s move to Vancouver, I was totally hooked and did not want to put the story down. Overall, it was a great story and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good read and especially to those who like historical fiction.
October 25, 2016
This book was entered and was a FINALIST in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: The Seeds of Sorrow
Author: Lisa Brown
Star Rating: 4.5 Stars
Number of Readers: 23
Stats
Editing: 10/10
Style: 9/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 9/10
Of the 23 readers:
21 would read another book by this author.
18 thought the cover was good or excellent.
2 felt it was too depressing and needed a lighter element to balance the bleak story.
15 felt the author’s writing style was excellent: ‘a literary feel to it but with enough pace to keep the story moving’.
23 felt the cover fitted the story well but 5 of the 23, although they liked the cover, did not feel drawn to it.
17 felt the Art was the most interesting character. They felt his problems were well understood by the author.
Readers’ Comments
‘I enjoyed this author’s books very much although this one was a bit too depressing for me. However, it’s well written and the story she is telling is important. Just don’t read it if you are feeling a bit suicidal.’ Female reader, aged 47
‘What struck me the most about this book was the depth to which the author understood the anguish facing Ant after his life in the Second World War. At a time when this problem is apparent in many troops who returned from Iraq and Afghanistan, this historical novel has an oddly modern feel to it. Engrossing, powerfully written and very entertaining. Loved it.’ Male reader, aged 51
‘There’s fantastic depth to this novel which is oddly why it might be a difficult sell. In a world where short thrillers and light romance is all the rage, this blows in the face of this modern trend. This is heartbreaking stuff and, to be honest, this author should be hunting for a traditional publisher who can put her book in the hands of literary readers. Self-published romance is a big seller, self-published historical/literary fiction, for the most part, is not. This author’s a gem; I hope she finds a big publisher who can put her work out there in the shops.’ Female reader (editor), aged 39
‘Wonderfully depressing.’ Male reader, aged 33
‘A harrowing portrayal of life in post-World War One Canada. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: The Seeds of Sorrow
Author: Lisa Brown
Star Rating: 4.5 Stars
Number of Readers: 23
Stats
Editing: 10/10
Style: 9/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 9/10
Of the 23 readers:
21 would read another book by this author.
18 thought the cover was good or excellent.
2 felt it was too depressing and needed a lighter element to balance the bleak story.
15 felt the author’s writing style was excellent: ‘a literary feel to it but with enough pace to keep the story moving’.
23 felt the cover fitted the story well but 5 of the 23, although they liked the cover, did not feel drawn to it.
17 felt the Art was the most interesting character. They felt his problems were well understood by the author.
Readers’ Comments
‘I enjoyed this author’s books very much although this one was a bit too depressing for me. However, it’s well written and the story she is telling is important. Just don’t read it if you are feeling a bit suicidal.’ Female reader, aged 47
‘What struck me the most about this book was the depth to which the author understood the anguish facing Ant after his life in the Second World War. At a time when this problem is apparent in many troops who returned from Iraq and Afghanistan, this historical novel has an oddly modern feel to it. Engrossing, powerfully written and very entertaining. Loved it.’ Male reader, aged 51
‘There’s fantastic depth to this novel which is oddly why it might be a difficult sell. In a world where short thrillers and light romance is all the rage, this blows in the face of this modern trend. This is heartbreaking stuff and, to be honest, this author should be hunting for a traditional publisher who can put her book in the hands of literary readers. Self-published romance is a big seller, self-published historical/literary fiction, for the most part, is not. This author’s a gem; I hope she finds a big publisher who can put her work out there in the shops.’ Female reader (editor), aged 39
‘Wonderfully depressing.’ Male reader, aged 33
‘A harrowing portrayal of life in post-World War One Canada. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
August 26, 2014
Firstly, I very much enjoy Lisa Brown's style of writing. She draws you right into the story, and it's very easy & enjoyable to follow along. The story continues from the The Porter's Wife, shifting into the future. I just really like the characters she has created, they feel like they could be my own ancestors. Historical fiction, let's us get a glimpse of a life, with happiness and hardship. I don't want to "spoil" any details, so other readers can enjoy the reading experience I did.. I will recommend this book along with the The Porter's Wife, to my reading pals..
I felt letdown, when I finished reading.. like "WHAT".. I want to keep going.. I hope Lisa considers, a 3rd novel.
Thank you for a memorable summer 2014 read, Lisa !
I felt letdown, when I finished reading.. like "WHAT".. I want to keep going.. I hope Lisa considers, a 3rd novel.
Thank you for a memorable summer 2014 read, Lisa !
October 9, 2014
Given To Me For An Honest Review
The Seeds of Sorrow by Lisa Brown is a must read. It is about a young widow of five children who moves from England to Canada during the depression to begin a new life. The story takes this family through bad weather, fledging business economy and other situations. The three sisters marry and along with their spouses the move to Vancouver for better opportunities. If you like reading historical fiction this book is for you. Once you begin reading it, you will have a hard time putting it down until you are finished reading it. I enjoyed it very much. I gave this book 5 stars but it clearly deserves more than that. I highly recommend this book to everyone. I look forward to more from Lisa Brown.
The Seeds of Sorrow by Lisa Brown is a must read. It is about a young widow of five children who moves from England to Canada during the depression to begin a new life. The story takes this family through bad weather, fledging business economy and other situations. The three sisters marry and along with their spouses the move to Vancouver for better opportunities. If you like reading historical fiction this book is for you. Once you begin reading it, you will have a hard time putting it down until you are finished reading it. I enjoyed it very much. I gave this book 5 stars but it clearly deserves more than that. I highly recommend this book to everyone. I look forward to more from Lisa Brown.
July 11, 2014
Once again Lisa Brown writes a beautiful book. A heart warming story about a family's survival moving from England to Canada during the depression years. Witnessing their triumphs and hardships. The style of writing makes you feel like your a part of the story and are very familiar with the characters. You can't help but to experience the raw emotions the characters are feeling. I loved this book! I didn't like the ending, I felt it left me wondering and hoping there will be another book. I recommend this book to everyone who loves historical stories, that are heart warming.
September 9, 2014
I read this book because I had previously enjoyed The Porter’s Wife by the same author. This is even better. In assured style it follows the history of a family that travels from poverty in England to a better life in Canada and is then caught up in the economic woes of the nineteen thirties. We see strong family ties, human strength and weakness, and tragedy. All of these are skilfully handled and the author has completely mastered the details of place and time (I confess that in my ignorance I never knew that Canada had had its own Prohibition). A really good read that holds you fast.
July 26, 2014
Read my full review and a Q&A with the Author Lisa Brown on my blog:
http://bookbindersdaughter.wordpress....
This is an emotional and fantastic historical fiction set in early 20th Century Canada. I highly recommend!
http://bookbindersdaughter.wordpress....
This is an emotional and fantastic historical fiction set in early 20th Century Canada. I highly recommend!
August 14, 2014
Loved it. Lisa Brown sent me this book from one of the giveaway contests. The writing was fluid and kept me entertained with the multiple story lines. The book was aptly named as I cried all the way through. Truly a wonderful historical fiction book. I will read more by Lisa Brown.
September 19, 2014
I received this book from the author through a First reads drawing. This story continues the saga of the Berry family in Canada. It was a little confusing at first, because much time had passed since the first book and this one. Characters had married, died, and been born in the meantime. This story focused on Sarah's daughter Agnes, who was much like her mother in her stoic personality. However, I felt like I knew the family better in this book. I truly grew to care for the characters. What was very interesting was how much their quality of life had changed from their humble beginning in England. They were not wealthy people, for the most part, but would enjoy cocktails before dinner. How much life had changed for them! It was also interesting to read about history through a Canadian perspective. I hadn't realized how the histories of Canada and the U.S. were so similar.
The title of this book was well chosen. While there was much in Agnes' life in which to take joy, the seeds of sorrow were planted along the way.
The three-star review is for technicalities mentioned in my previous review.
The title of this book was well chosen. While there was much in Agnes' life in which to take joy, the seeds of sorrow were planted along the way.
The three-star review is for technicalities mentioned in my previous review.
October 26, 2014
This was utterly heartbreaking. The story of an extended family living in Winnipeg, having originally emigrated from England for a better life. Now they are suffering the effects of prohibition, and post war economic depression. And Art is still suffering debilitating nightmares and other anxieties after his wartime experiences.
We follow the family through the marriages of Sarah's children, the birth of their children and the hard times in which they lived. This is a very close knit extended family who do their best to help each other out whenever required. They suffered various heartbreaking disasters over the years.
This is so well written that I felt a real infinity with the family, and suffered with them as they suffered.
Now I will have to seek out the prequel 'The Porter's Wife' to learn more of the back story of matriarch Sarah.
An excellent read, highly recommended.
We follow the family through the marriages of Sarah's children, the birth of their children and the hard times in which they lived. This is a very close knit extended family who do their best to help each other out whenever required. They suffered various heartbreaking disasters over the years.
This is so well written that I felt a real infinity with the family, and suffered with them as they suffered.
Now I will have to seek out the prequel 'The Porter's Wife' to learn more of the back story of matriarch Sarah.
An excellent read, highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews