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The Swan House #1
The Swan House
Mary Swan Middleton has always taken for granted the advantages of her family's wealth. But a tragedy that touches all of Atlanta sends her reeling in grief. When the family maid challenges her to reach out to the less fortunate as a way to ease her own pain, Mary Swan meets Carl-and everything changes. For although Carl is her opposite in nearly every way, he has something her privileged life could not give her. And when she seeks his help to uncover a mystery, she learns far more than she ever could have imagined.
448 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
479 people are currently reading
4916 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Musser
42 books703 followersELIZABETH MUSSER writes ‘entertainment with a soul’ from her writing chalet—tool shed—outside Lyon, France. Elizabeth’s award winning, best-selling novel, The Swan House, was named one of Amazon’s Top Christian Books of the Year, one of Georgia’s Top Ten Novels of the Past 100 Years and was awarded the Gold Illumination Book Award 2021 for Enduring Light Fiction. All of Elizabeth’s novels have been translated into multiple languages and have been international bestsellers. Two Destinies, the final novel in The Secrets of the Cross trilogy, was a finalist for the 2013 Christy Award. The Long Highway Home was a finalist for the 2018 Carol Award. The Promised Land won second place in Literary Fiction at the 2021 Georgia Author of the Year Awards and won the 2021 Carol Award for Contemporary Fiction. Elizabeth’s most recent novel, By Way of the Moonlight, is a Publisher’s Weekly Top Ten Pick in Religion and Spirituality for Fall Releases in 2022 and Parable and ECPA bestseller and was a finalist for the 2023 Christy Award.
For over thirty-five years, Elizabeth and her husband, Paul, have been involved in missions’ work in Europe with One Collective, formerly International Teams. The Mussers have two sons, two daughters-in-law and five grandchildren.
Find more about Elizabeth’s novels on her website and on Facebook, Instagram, Bookbub, and Pinterest.
Sign up for her email list https://6231db35.sibforms.com/serve/M....
For over thirty-five years, Elizabeth and her husband, Paul, have been involved in missions’ work in Europe with One Collective, formerly International Teams. The Mussers have two sons, two daughters-in-law and five grandchildren.
Find more about Elizabeth’s novels on her website and on Facebook, Instagram, Bookbub, and Pinterest.
Sign up for her email list https://6231db35.sibforms.com/serve/M....
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 630 reviews
September 6, 2011
I knew that if I searched long and hard enough that I would eventually find good Christian fiction. And I finally found it in The Swan House. So, it's a bit perplexing to come to Good Reads to find so many negative reviews. Was this book heavy on the Christianity? Um, yes, it's Christian fiction. Was it heavy on historical detail? Yeah, it's an historical novel. Did it sound like it was from a 16 y.o.'s viewpoint? Yes- because it was.
Maybe it boils down to this: The rest of the reviewers have not been reading the horrid drivel that somehow manages to get published by Christian publishing houses. When I mention a long and hard search, I'm not kidding. As one other reviewer said, most stuff I've read I've been too embarrassed to even admit on Good Reads that I read it. And that's not mentioning all the stuff that I put down out of disgust and didn't finish. It's that bad.
But, with that said, I think Ms. Musser is a good writer all around, and not just because almost everyone else in her genre sucks. She's a good storyteller and I enjoyed this book immensely.
Maybe it boils down to this: The rest of the reviewers have not been reading the horrid drivel that somehow manages to get published by Christian publishing houses. When I mention a long and hard search, I'm not kidding. As one other reviewer said, most stuff I've read I've been too embarrassed to even admit on Good Reads that I read it. And that's not mentioning all the stuff that I put down out of disgust and didn't finish. It's that bad.
But, with that said, I think Ms. Musser is a good writer all around, and not just because almost everyone else in her genre sucks. She's a good storyteller and I enjoyed this book immensely.
January 17, 2021
The Swan House, by Elizabeth Musser, was a delight to read.
It is the coming of age story of Mary Swan, a girl torn apart by tragedy, discovering things she didn't know about her mother, finding her place amongst civil rights issues, deciding her relationship with God and learning who she really is.
A wonderful, tragic and yet uplifting story!
I am looking forward to the next book in the serties.
It is the coming of age story of Mary Swan, a girl torn apart by tragedy, discovering things she didn't know about her mother, finding her place amongst civil rights issues, deciding her relationship with God and learning who she really is.
A wonderful, tragic and yet uplifting story!
I am looking forward to the next book in the serties.
August 27, 2014
This book was a choice for my book club. While the storyline contained much promise, the book is a huge disappointment. It is set in the early 60s in Atlanta, Georgia, in the well-to-do Buckhead area. The civil rights movement is meant to be a main part of the story, and the main character awakens to racial hatred in her community. It also deals with the subject of death and the grief of a teenage girl who loses her mother in a tragic airplane accident, the details of which were based on a true event in 1962. Many prominent citizens of Atlanta perished on this flight as it left France for the return flight home.
The opportunity to write a deep and meaningful narrative was lost to an author who seems to have too many goals for her book. This book is from the Christian fiction genre and you could not possibly miss this as it finally overwhelms the entire narrative. Rather than this being a heartfelt book about a girl's journey as she questions her faith, her grief, her sexuality, her loyalties, her sense of self, the constant sermonizing destroys in my opinion, any potential the book might have had otherwise. I almost stopped in the middle of the book when it is declared that there is only one true faith said by a character who is deemed infallible by the author. Speaking as someone who has explored in depth two faiths in a lifetime, I found this a challenge.
I also feel that the narrative is written at the level of a middle or high school teenager. The tightest dialogue is in the historical recounting. Otherwise the details become monotonous. Some details like knowing Mary Swan is wearing blue pedal pushers to the high school dance seemed placed just to remind us it was 1962. The danger of books written from the point of view of teenagers is that they tend to stray into such self-absorption. I agree with other low star reviewers that this book needed a severe editing and the southern dialogue was inconsistent. I give the book its one star because of the Atlanta history and civil rights discussions. I cannot claim to have finished this book on the date set, as it is actually when I closed the book somewhere around page 289 of 442. I felt the author was never going to be able to give due justice to any one of the many possible explorations available to her.
The opportunity to write a deep and meaningful narrative was lost to an author who seems to have too many goals for her book. This book is from the Christian fiction genre and you could not possibly miss this as it finally overwhelms the entire narrative. Rather than this being a heartfelt book about a girl's journey as she questions her faith, her grief, her sexuality, her loyalties, her sense of self, the constant sermonizing destroys in my opinion, any potential the book might have had otherwise. I almost stopped in the middle of the book when it is declared that there is only one true faith said by a character who is deemed infallible by the author. Speaking as someone who has explored in depth two faiths in a lifetime, I found this a challenge.
I also feel that the narrative is written at the level of a middle or high school teenager. The tightest dialogue is in the historical recounting. Otherwise the details become monotonous. Some details like knowing Mary Swan is wearing blue pedal pushers to the high school dance seemed placed just to remind us it was 1962. The danger of books written from the point of view of teenagers is that they tend to stray into such self-absorption. I agree with other low star reviewers that this book needed a severe editing and the southern dialogue was inconsistent. I give the book its one star because of the Atlanta history and civil rights discussions. I cannot claim to have finished this book on the date set, as it is actually when I closed the book somewhere around page 289 of 442. I felt the author was never going to be able to give due justice to any one of the many possible explorations available to her.
June 10, 2010
The Swan House has a title and a cover that drew me in. I imagined this story to be about an old, possibly deserted mansion with secrets to hide. This book has plenty of secrets but none were about the house. In fact the house really didn't have much to do with the story. I felt the title was out of place.
The Swan House is a Christian fiction novel. If I had known that I might never have bought it. Not that I'm not a Christian, I am but it's not the kind of fiction I typically care to read. And I'm not adverse to the message of the love of Jesus. I love Jesus and have a deep and rewarding relationship with God. The message doesn't appeal to me when delivered as fiction. I have plenty of religious and spiritual books on my list that I want to read to learn and grow on my own personal path.
Mary Swan is a charming and talented 16 year old in the 1960's. She loses her mother in a plane crash and finds herself as she searches to uncover her mother's secrets. This novel is steeped in the racial discord of the era. The author paints a picture of poverty, hate and the power of love.
The Swan House is well written. It was too long however. At least 100 pages could have been edited out. I did finish it. I'm not a quitter. I might have skimmed a little bit toward the end. I listened to the message and felt a little bit closer to God. I rate this book a 3 out of 5.
The Swan House is a Christian fiction novel. If I had known that I might never have bought it. Not that I'm not a Christian, I am but it's not the kind of fiction I typically care to read. And I'm not adverse to the message of the love of Jesus. I love Jesus and have a deep and rewarding relationship with God. The message doesn't appeal to me when delivered as fiction. I have plenty of religious and spiritual books on my list that I want to read to learn and grow on my own personal path.
Mary Swan is a charming and talented 16 year old in the 1960's. She loses her mother in a plane crash and finds herself as she searches to uncover her mother's secrets. This novel is steeped in the racial discord of the era. The author paints a picture of poverty, hate and the power of love.
The Swan House is well written. It was too long however. At least 100 pages could have been edited out. I did finish it. I'm not a quitter. I might have skimmed a little bit toward the end. I listened to the message and felt a little bit closer to God. I rate this book a 3 out of 5.
May 22, 2012
Great Christian Fiction! Wow, It was such a moving story. I had to get past the way Musser had the African-American's speak in the south. I don't think she really captured it, but she did well enough to keep me sitting in for a very long book. I enjoyed the book. I loved the story of Mary Swan and the her self discovery in God. I loved how Musser tied God into the book without it being religious, but all about a real relationship with God. I was able to be encouraged in my own walk with God while reading this book. Even though it was a fiction, the scriptures that were added made me want to do my own self reflection about my walk. Since this is only book one in the Swan stories, I have many other questions about who Mary Swan married and if she ended up with Carl. I really wanted that relationship to work because she cared so much for Carl and I believe Carl really cared for her too. I liked Robbie alot too. He was so sweet. Rachel is a doll-baby. I loved all the characters including the mother. The way the book was written made me not dislike the mother, but sort of understand her more. It is a very good story. Bravo Elizabeth Musser.
May 30, 2011
THE SWAN HOUSE is historical, Christian fiction & a 'coming of age' novel. The main character, Mary Swan, is a rich, white girl living in the 60's in Atlanta. Her adolescence is marked by the tragic loss of her mother in a plane crash that takes the lives of many of Atlanta's finest citizens. Between her mother's death & a mystery she is 'dared' to solve by the private school she attends, Mary Swan learns about prejudice, her mother's flaws & pain, & faith.
My favorite books are those where the characters make you care about what happens to them & how they deal with it. This book is rich with characters who will make you laugh, cry, & cheer them on.
I am looking forward to reading more of Elizabeth Musser's books.
My favorite books are those where the characters make you care about what happens to them & how they deal with it. This book is rich with characters who will make you laugh, cry, & cheer them on.
I am looking forward to reading more of Elizabeth Musser's books.
September 29, 2018
I really enjoyed this one!! The author truly grabs your attention with her writing style and begins the book with a true historic tragedy that I never knew took place. I love how the main character had several story lines going on in her own life the entire book. The girl growing up in the South experiences racial tensions, personal heartbreak, great sorrow, and ultimate peace with God. Highly recommend!
May 4, 2024
I very much enjoyed this book! It's long, but every page is interesting. There wasn't any wasted space or boring bits in this story for me. It follows a young girl by the name of Mary Swan, growing up in an upper class family in Atlanta. Despite growing up with privilege, she faces some really tough times and also sees the impact of the racism in that day first hand. From the perspective of people she grows to care about. The book takes place between 1962-1963, and Mary Swan sees racism up close not only towards black people, but Jewish people as well. And it impacts her deeply. In addition to these realities, she's also impacted by mental health issues in more than one experience. In trying to navigate her feelings over everything going on in her life, she also struggles with where she feels faith should play a role, if at all.
There were so many components and characters in this story, and they all fit so well into the main story line of Mary Swans character. Everything that happened connected to each other in a way that strengthened the story. I really enjoyed how well developed each character was, and how each character contributed to the story in such a unique way. I also very much enjoyed the dynamics between the characters. Although there was a lot of day to day interactions when nothing particularly significant was happening, I did find every part of the story interesting enough to keep my attention. By about mid-book, I found myself really wondering what was going to happen next with Mary Swan. And by the end of the book, I felt like I knew all of the characters. If you enjoy books where when you pick it up, you feel like you step outside of your own life and into someone else's, I'd recommend this one. This was my second book by this author, and I'm really enjoying her writing style! Looking forward to the second book in this series.
Last note-I listened to this on audio book and enjoyed the narration. The narrator seemed like such a great fit for this particular story!
There were so many components and characters in this story, and they all fit so well into the main story line of Mary Swans character. Everything that happened connected to each other in a way that strengthened the story. I really enjoyed how well developed each character was, and how each character contributed to the story in such a unique way. I also very much enjoyed the dynamics between the characters. Although there was a lot of day to day interactions when nothing particularly significant was happening, I did find every part of the story interesting enough to keep my attention. By about mid-book, I found myself really wondering what was going to happen next with Mary Swan. And by the end of the book, I felt like I knew all of the characters. If you enjoy books where when you pick it up, you feel like you step outside of your own life and into someone else's, I'd recommend this one. This was my second book by this author, and I'm really enjoying her writing style! Looking forward to the second book in this series.
Last note-I listened to this on audio book and enjoyed the narration. The narrator seemed like such a great fit for this particular story!
September 4, 2016
I really really enjoyed this book!
I never knew there was a plane crash in France that involved over 100 Americans from Atlanta. How sad. The author did such a good job portraying the tragedy and writing a story about one family caught up in the aftermath.
Mary Swan Middleton loses her mother, a talented artist, in the plane crash of 1962. Her coming-of-age story has so many themes and lessons! The issue of prejudice and civil rights is a major strand in this book but there are other themes addressed as well; mental illness, family secrets, integrity and courage, and art- as- therapy are also interwoven in the book.
Ella Mae, the maid, encourages Mary Swan to handle her grief through serving others.
"There are over four hundred and fifty families living in Grant Park, and most of them are desperately poor. A large percentage of the kids have never known their fathers and are being raised by their grandmothers. About a year and a half ago, we started offering spaghetti lunch once a week to any who wanted it. Volunteers from both white and black churches take turns preparing and serving the food. Ella Mae is one of the most faithful." She stated the facts coolly. "You can help out with serving the sauce."
As Mary Swan reaches out to others, she begins to find answers to the dilemma of three missing paintings, and answers also to her own family tragedies.
The characters became so real to me that I found myself in tears near the end of the book as the story unravelled. Mary Swan learns many things about her mother, about art and painting and mental illness, about service, and about life in general. She has to learn to forgive her father who kept family secrets, and to adjust to life without her mother.
This book is openly Christian so there is a gospel message, and Who God is and how He works in human hearts is discussed more than once. I found it refreshing and unapologetically encouraging.
This book will stay with me for a long time!
I never knew there was a plane crash in France that involved over 100 Americans from Atlanta. How sad. The author did such a good job portraying the tragedy and writing a story about one family caught up in the aftermath.
Mary Swan Middleton loses her mother, a talented artist, in the plane crash of 1962. Her coming-of-age story has so many themes and lessons! The issue of prejudice and civil rights is a major strand in this book but there are other themes addressed as well; mental illness, family secrets, integrity and courage, and art- as- therapy are also interwoven in the book.
Ella Mae, the maid, encourages Mary Swan to handle her grief through serving others.
"There are over four hundred and fifty families living in Grant Park, and most of them are desperately poor. A large percentage of the kids have never known their fathers and are being raised by their grandmothers. About a year and a half ago, we started offering spaghetti lunch once a week to any who wanted it. Volunteers from both white and black churches take turns preparing and serving the food. Ella Mae is one of the most faithful." She stated the facts coolly. "You can help out with serving the sauce."
As Mary Swan reaches out to others, she begins to find answers to the dilemma of three missing paintings, and answers also to her own family tragedies.
The characters became so real to me that I found myself in tears near the end of the book as the story unravelled. Mary Swan learns many things about her mother, about art and painting and mental illness, about service, and about life in general. She has to learn to forgive her father who kept family secrets, and to adjust to life without her mother.
This book is openly Christian so there is a gospel message, and Who God is and how He works in human hearts is discussed more than once. I found it refreshing and unapologetically encouraging.
This book will stay with me for a long time!
November 28, 2020
A complex, many-layered story, that sagged in the middle and required skipping over the repetition, but ended with a sentimental wallop that left me in tears.
Interesting insights on art, race, the 60s, and loss.
One of the best novels I read this year.
Interesting insights on art, race, the 60s, and loss.
One of the best novels I read this year.
September 9, 2020
The Swan House: ★★★★
The Dwelling House: This is one of those series where you just want to leave satisfied at the ending of the first book, so I don't think I'll be reading the sequel.
Call me a phenomenon of society, but I've managed to be both a Christian and an avid reader, and still I've never found myself truly falling in love with a book from the Christian Fiction section of any library.
THE SWAN HOUSE WAS TRES DIFFERENT.
I have never read such a wholesome, heartwrenching book, like ever.
This book hits HARD. I feel like, even if you're not a Christian, there is literally something for everyone in this book. It handles some very hard topics and it really opens your eyes.
I was gonna write a deeper review but I'm still in a state of shock so, I'll just tell you to read this book.
Books that this book reminded me of:
- The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton
- I Am Princess X by Cherie Priest
- Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
The Dwelling House: This is one of those series where you just want to leave satisfied at the ending of the first book, so I don't think I'll be reading the sequel.
Call me a phenomenon of society, but I've managed to be both a Christian and an avid reader, and still I've never found myself truly falling in love with a book from the Christian Fiction section of any library.
THE SWAN HOUSE WAS TRES DIFFERENT.
I have never read such a wholesome, heartwrenching book, like ever.
This book hits HARD. I feel like, even if you're not a Christian, there is literally something for everyone in this book. It handles some very hard topics and it really opens your eyes.
I was gonna write a deeper review but I'm still in a state of shock so, I'll just tell you to read this book.
Books that this book reminded me of:
- The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton
- I Am Princess X by Cherie Priest
- Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
August 31, 2014
Nearly stopped reading a number of times during the first third of the book but I am so glad I continued. All of a sudden the story took off and I could not put it down!
December 27, 2024
This is one of my favorites from this year! I loved all the characters, the connection to Atlanta/Swan House, and the lessons of faith. You know it’s a good book when you’re at dinner and all you want to do is get home to finish it!
September 24, 2014
Oh my I was recently asked had a read this book and I had not but had it on my kindle so I started it! If you have not read "The Swan House" you want to! I can honestly say this is one of the best books I have read in a while!
It is a christian, historical novel set in 1962 in Atlanta, Georgia. It is told by a lady who is remembering back when she was 16 years old. Segregation was being broken down, but prejudice and violence against blacks was still very present. Vivid descriptions about the place, time, and people brought the story alive to me.
The characters were engaging and very realistic. It had some suspense which came from relationship tensions--romantic, family, and racial. While not depressing, it's not a light-hearted story. Mary Swan goes through so much pain due to losing loved ones, her naivete, and learning some new, hard things about her mother.
There was a strong Christian element, and it flowed naturally as a part of the story. Mary Swan went to church all of her life, but she's challenged by the devotion she sees in a white woman who gave up a life of privilege to serve among the poor. Mary Swan is afraid God will ask her to do something like that, so she doesn't want to get any closer to God, but she is curious about the strong faith she sees.
I love the way God uses situations such as this to bring His people together!
It is a christian, historical novel set in 1962 in Atlanta, Georgia. It is told by a lady who is remembering back when she was 16 years old. Segregation was being broken down, but prejudice and violence against blacks was still very present. Vivid descriptions about the place, time, and people brought the story alive to me.
The characters were engaging and very realistic. It had some suspense which came from relationship tensions--romantic, family, and racial. While not depressing, it's not a light-hearted story. Mary Swan goes through so much pain due to losing loved ones, her naivete, and learning some new, hard things about her mother.
There was a strong Christian element, and it flowed naturally as a part of the story. Mary Swan went to church all of her life, but she's challenged by the devotion she sees in a white woman who gave up a life of privilege to serve among the poor. Mary Swan is afraid God will ask her to do something like that, so she doesn't want to get any closer to God, but she is curious about the strong faith she sees.
I love the way God uses situations such as this to bring His people together!
December 31, 2017
Loved this book. Can't wait to read more by this author!
April 10, 2021
I first read this years ago when it was first published and loved it. With the release of the third book in the series, I decided to listen to The Swan House on Audible. My husband is not much of a reader, but he will listen to audio books with me in the car. My husband and I both enjoyed "reading" it. The audio book was well done, and the story is engaging. I highly recommend it.
September 6, 2022
A good book.
April 29, 2024
One of my favorites that I read every couple years. If you're from ATL like I am, it reads like home.
January 18, 2025
I’m normally not a huge fan of historical fiction or Christian fiction, but I really enjoyed this book. I learned a lot about the history of Atlanta.
March 1, 2025
This was an excellent read!!! Historical fiction set in the early 1960’s in Atlanta… racial segregation, predjudices, the Gospel, compelling storylines and characters…. Highly recommended!!!
January 7, 2023
One of the best novels I've read in a long time. I loved the Christian themes throughout, they weren't preachy or cringe like so much of Christian fiction. This book was a gift to me from a friend, I definitely will be checking out more books by this author.
May 24, 2022
I struggled a little in reading this, seemed to drag on a bit but the story is wonderfully told. I know many of these areas from visiting Atlanta and plan to visit the Swan House the next time I’m in town. I’ve driven by it but never knew it existed. It’s a very subtle Christian novel about how a teenage girl becomes a Christian even though she attended church her entire life. Reading about the prejudice of the 60’s and how this affluent teenager struggled with making sense of life without her mother, who her mother was and why there was so much hatred for someone born a different color or religion. Things have changed dramatically in some ways and in others it’s still the same.
October 10, 2018
Absolutely wonderful book!! Engrossing story, made me laugh, cry, think, be challenged/thankful/encouraged. I haven’t read anything else by Elizabeth Musser, but this was an excellent start. Highly recommended! I’m ready to visit Atlanta now and see the swan house!
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October 25, 2015The Swan House by Elizabeth Musser
When Mary Swan Middleton is chosen to be Raven of her school she can think of no greater honor. Once every year a Raven is chosen to solve a dare of some kind. Her dare is to find three paintings that mysteriously disappeared a day before they were to be presented at Museum. The three donors are Leslie Lanchap, Henry Becker and Shelia Middleton. Shelia Middleton is her mother so it should be simple. But when her mother dies in a plane crash heading home from Paris. Mary Swan is even more determined then ever to find the missing paintings, but what she finds out about her mother makes her wish to never accepted the dare.
I like historical fiction so when I saw this book for five bucks on amazon I was excited. I had just recently read The Sweetest Thing by Elizabeth Musser and loved it. The book was okay, but I was a bit disappointed. It didn't quite grab me.The characters weren't very lovable. I wasn't to fond of the time era either. I did like though that I got some history out of it, and I like seeing how certain events effected people. The Christian view point I thought was good. Sorry this isn't to explanatory. I procrastinated my review and can't remember all the details.
When Mary Swan Middleton is chosen to be Raven of her school she can think of no greater honor. Once every year a Raven is chosen to solve a dare of some kind. Her dare is to find three paintings that mysteriously disappeared a day before they were to be presented at Museum. The three donors are Leslie Lanchap, Henry Becker and Shelia Middleton. Shelia Middleton is her mother so it should be simple. But when her mother dies in a plane crash heading home from Paris. Mary Swan is even more determined then ever to find the missing paintings, but what she finds out about her mother makes her wish to never accepted the dare.
I like historical fiction so when I saw this book for five bucks on amazon I was excited. I had just recently read The Sweetest Thing by Elizabeth Musser and loved it. The book was okay, but I was a bit disappointed. It didn't quite grab me.The characters weren't very lovable. I wasn't to fond of the time era either. I did like though that I got some history out of it, and I like seeing how certain events effected people. The Christian view point I thought was good. Sorry this isn't to explanatory. I procrastinated my review and can't remember all the details.
July 31, 2010
What a rich, rich novel. My tears were flowing at the end. So many themes and emotions: loss, love, faith, race, civil rights in the 60's, poverty, affluence, mental illness, pain, joy. A very rich coming of age story of a pretty complex character in 16 year old Mary Swan. I was surprised at the rich theme of faith, spirituality, and prayer. And I was moved by the references of old Atlanta and about race relations at that time, especially through the eyes of a girl who didn't really notice race or difference.
(Lent to me by Mom, lent to her by Aunt Barbara. A novel based in Atlanta. It's in my favorite genre: historical fiction. And the first few pages are already rich with emotion and feeling and story-telling gifts.)
(Lent to me by Mom, lent to her by Aunt Barbara. A novel based in Atlanta. It's in my favorite genre: historical fiction. And the first few pages are already rich with emotion and feeling and story-telling gifts.)
August 1, 2017
I can't believe I just found this book. Halfway through the book I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that it would be one of my favorite books of all time. I am usually not a fan of books that have sad elements in them, but Ms. Musser's writing is so engaging and rich, I could not put The Swan House down. The story also convicted me on a personal level and had me thinking how comfortable I live when there are so many people living homeless and hungry. It gave me a desire to want to stretch my hand out and help and minister to those less fortunate in my community. If you have a chance to read this book, please do.
September 9, 2018
This is a great Elizabeth Musser read! Like all Musser books, the theme has great depth and the story is woven together so perfectly.
September 20, 2018
I absolutely LOVED this novel and hope to read some more books by Elizabeth Musser soon! RTC! =)
September 21, 2023
One of the best books I’ve read.
Reading again September ‘23 for book club.. Loving it more! ❤️
Reading again September ‘23 for book club.. Loving it more! ❤️
October 2, 2018
The Swan House by Elizabeth Musser
4 stars
I really enjoyed this story of a teen girl, Mary Swan, coming to age without her mother during a time she needs her most.
This story takes place during the early 1960s in Atlanta’s poverty area of Grant Park and the wealthy suburb of Buckhead.
Mary Swan learns the past about her mother through her mother’s art. And in finding out all the secrets kept from her about her mother, Mary Swan learns about herself, too.
I especially enjoyed the time era as civil rights were just beginning to succeed. Readers from this civil rights generations will recognize the racial unrest. Readers from generations after, will appreciate the attention of what it was like.
Mary Swan comes from a wealthy, white family who lives comfortably inside the borders of Buckhead. But she’s soon introduced to the poor black community and learns that there is more to life than wealth, prestige and high society expectations. She struggles to learn who she is in Christ and who she is in a culture that is changing through the civil rights movement. Through her struggles, she finds herself.
The message of salvation is woven into the story without being overly “preachy”. The message meets people where they are, which is the story of Mary Swan.
4 stars
I really enjoyed this story of a teen girl, Mary Swan, coming to age without her mother during a time she needs her most.
This story takes place during the early 1960s in Atlanta’s poverty area of Grant Park and the wealthy suburb of Buckhead.
Mary Swan learns the past about her mother through her mother’s art. And in finding out all the secrets kept from her about her mother, Mary Swan learns about herself, too.
I especially enjoyed the time era as civil rights were just beginning to succeed. Readers from this civil rights generations will recognize the racial unrest. Readers from generations after, will appreciate the attention of what it was like.
Mary Swan comes from a wealthy, white family who lives comfortably inside the borders of Buckhead. But she’s soon introduced to the poor black community and learns that there is more to life than wealth, prestige and high society expectations. She struggles to learn who she is in Christ and who she is in a culture that is changing through the civil rights movement. Through her struggles, she finds herself.
The message of salvation is woven into the story without being overly “preachy”. The message meets people where they are, which is the story of Mary Swan.
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