What do you think?
Rate this book
Caleb's Window
Born in the village of Easkey, Ireland just before World War II, Cara Brannan dreams of becoming a nurse and starting a new life in America. Her mother, an Irish suffragette, encourages Cara to set goals and be fiercely independent. She moves to Dublin and begins nurses training at Saint John’s Hospital, forging friendships and encountering obstacles as a young single woman. Then she meets Aiden Whyte. Like-minded, Cara and Aiden join forces, marry, and journey to the States as newlyweds.
Welcoming their son Caleb into the world, Cara embraces motherhood. As a new mother and nurse in New York City, she struggles, facing class conflict, gender discrimination and career barriers, as well as loneliness. Cara endures because of her strength of character, compassion, and an irrepressible joy of life.
As Caleb comes of age, it’s his turn to carve out a place for himself during the late 1960s—a time of turbulence, protest, and incredible change. He finds New York to be a challenge but filled with opportunity.
Caleb’s Window will quietly move into your heart and mind, remaining long after you turn the final page.
Welcoming their son Caleb into the world, Cara embraces motherhood. As a new mother and nurse in New York City, she struggles, facing class conflict, gender discrimination and career barriers, as well as loneliness. Cara endures because of her strength of character, compassion, and an irrepressible joy of life.
As Caleb comes of age, it’s his turn to carve out a place for himself during the late 1960s—a time of turbulence, protest, and incredible change. He finds New York to be a challenge but filled with opportunity.
Caleb’s Window will quietly move into your heart and mind, remaining long after you turn the final page.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 21, 2018
11 people are currently reading
2038 people want to read
About the author
John J. Siefring
2 books95 followersJohn J. Siefring is the author of the novels CALEB'S WINDOW and AN IMPORTANT DAY. A collection of short stories entitled THE PARTICULARS is in progress. His work has appeared in the literary journals Gravel and The Ravens Perch. He lives on Long Island.
Born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in the Bronx, John has worn a number of career hats, including Wall Street, NYC cab driver, college professor, and clinical psychologist, receiving his doctoral degree from Fordham University. He has been in private clinical practice, specializing in the area of neuropsychology, and held positions on the adjunct faculty of Stony Brook University, Pace University, and Long Island University.
Born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in the Bronx, John has worn a number of career hats, including Wall Street, NYC cab driver, college professor, and clinical psychologist, receiving his doctoral degree from Fordham University. He has been in private clinical practice, specializing in the area of neuropsychology, and held positions on the adjunct faculty of Stony Brook University, Pace University, and Long Island University.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
August 1, 2018
I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Going into this, I had no idea what to expect since it was a self published book and this type of book can go either way. But luckily I ended up really enjoying it.
I loved the characters. Cara’s strength, determination, and compassion for others was inspiring. I loved how cheeky Caleb was as a teenager.
I liked how the story was woven together and started at one point in time but went backwards to show how they got to that point.
The book was also very well written which made it so easy to read. It took me a while to read this book because I was in the middle of moving, but one night when I wasn’t busy I managed to fly through 100 pages.
The one thing I didn’t like was how fast Caleb’s part was. I would have loved for his story to have been fleshed out more and given the same attention and time as Cara’s story because I found his to be just as compelling. His story went by lightning fast and I wanted to spend a little bit more time with him. Additionally, Caleb grew up during a very interesting time period so there would have been a lot to explore.
This doesn’t have anything to do with the story, but this book probably had the best Acknowledgments page I’ve read recently. The author didn’t thank anyone specifically, but instead gave the reasons why he didn’t. It was subtly hilarious.
Overall, this was a wonderful historical fiction novel about a mother and her son and the struggles they face in life.
For more book reviews, be sure to check out my blog: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/
Going into this, I had no idea what to expect since it was a self published book and this type of book can go either way. But luckily I ended up really enjoying it.
I loved the characters. Cara’s strength, determination, and compassion for others was inspiring. I loved how cheeky Caleb was as a teenager.
I liked how the story was woven together and started at one point in time but went backwards to show how they got to that point.
The book was also very well written which made it so easy to read. It took me a while to read this book because I was in the middle of moving, but one night when I wasn’t busy I managed to fly through 100 pages.
The one thing I didn’t like was how fast Caleb’s part was. I would have loved for his story to have been fleshed out more and given the same attention and time as Cara’s story because I found his to be just as compelling. His story went by lightning fast and I wanted to spend a little bit more time with him. Additionally, Caleb grew up during a very interesting time period so there would have been a lot to explore.
This doesn’t have anything to do with the story, but this book probably had the best Acknowledgments page I’ve read recently. The author didn’t thank anyone specifically, but instead gave the reasons why he didn’t. It was subtly hilarious.
Overall, this was a wonderful historical fiction novel about a mother and her son and the struggles they face in life.
For more book reviews, be sure to check out my blog: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/
March 6, 2018
A story of family, new beginnings, perseverance and for the joy of life.
Caleb, the son that never knew his father and lost his mother when he was just coming of age.
The memory of his mother stayed with him, giving him inspiration.
This book was a gift from the author for my honest review.
I loved the story.
Caleb, the son that never knew his father and lost his mother when he was just coming of age.
The memory of his mother stayed with him, giving him inspiration.
This book was a gift from the author for my honest review.
I loved the story.
October 7, 2018
I want to thank the author for providing me with an ecopy in exchange for my honest review.
I didn't know anything about this book going into it besides what the synopsis says so I didn't know what to expect. Luckily though I ended up really enjoying it.
This book is basically broken up into 2 parts. The first 19 chapters are all about Cara Brannan from the day she is born and onwards and the last 8 chapter's are about Calab Brannan-Whyte.
When I first started this book I got through the first 38% in one day. It is so fast paced and things moved by quickly. At first that was working for me. I didn't feel like I was missing anything however, after that point I felt like things were moving way to fast. Some things happened that I felt like could have been elaborated on. As the reader I didn't have time to dwell on something that I felt needed/should have been dwelled on a little more.
A big chunk of this book is about Cara and a small part is about Caleb who is Cara's son. I wish we would have got more chapters on Caleb. His section was so short and I felt like I didn't get enough time with him.
This book is character driven. There's not really a plot but even so I was drawn in. I never found myself bored and I came to really care for the characters and I found myself tearing up a couple of times.
This was beautifully written and I highly recommend you read this if you are ok with a character driven book.
I didn't know anything about this book going into it besides what the synopsis says so I didn't know what to expect. Luckily though I ended up really enjoying it.
This book is basically broken up into 2 parts. The first 19 chapters are all about Cara Brannan from the day she is born and onwards and the last 8 chapter's are about Calab Brannan-Whyte.
When I first started this book I got through the first 38% in one day. It is so fast paced and things moved by quickly. At first that was working for me. I didn't feel like I was missing anything however, after that point I felt like things were moving way to fast. Some things happened that I felt like could have been elaborated on. As the reader I didn't have time to dwell on something that I felt needed/should have been dwelled on a little more.
A big chunk of this book is about Cara and a small part is about Caleb who is Cara's son. I wish we would have got more chapters on Caleb. His section was so short and I felt like I didn't get enough time with him.
This book is character driven. There's not really a plot but even so I was drawn in. I never found myself bored and I came to really care for the characters and I found myself tearing up a couple of times.
This was beautifully written and I highly recommend you read this if you are ok with a character driven book.
December 6, 2018
Kept my attention from the first page to the last
April 5, 2019
Highly recommended
This is a well written story. I love how the story was about the life of Caleb and at the end he wrote his memoir Caleb's window. Definitely a great a quick read. Once I started reading it captured me from the very beginning and held my attention throughout
This is a well written story. I love how the story was about the life of Caleb and at the end he wrote his memoir Caleb's window. Definitely a great a quick read. Once I started reading it captured me from the very beginning and held my attention throughout
February 17, 2018
Caleb's Window is the second novel by John J. Siefring, author of An Important Day. I was so taken with An Important Day, that I've been waiting for Siefring's second offering. It does not disappoint!
Caleb's Window is a generational saga about young Cara Brannan, an Irish girl who grew up during WWII, wants to become a nurse and ultimately move to America. As in Mr. Siefring's first book, his phrasing and both his physical and emotional descriptions are so rich and full that the characters and happenings seem very real to this reader. I even found myself reading with an Irish-lilt!
I love the character of Cara! She is strong, independent, compassionate, lively, and a woman not willing to subdue or stifle her dreams for a man. I also enjoyed the author's rich descriptions of Cara's various relationships; with her family, friends, co-workers, husband, his family, and especially their son Caleb. All of them ring deep and true. The importance of love and loyalty of family and the joy that the families had in each other cannot be over-appreciated.
The author does an excellent job of covering the world events as Cara arrives from Ireland through when Caleb reaches adulthood. This gives a great time perspective and shows what was coloring the personal worlds of the characters.
There were several favorite phrasings or sentences in the book that I highlighted; here are three of them:
"Never, ever forget the power to heal with the comfort of your words and actions, a touch, a look."
"It's perhaps best we don't always know that we have approached a space and time when what we say or do is so crucial as to possibly determine the direction another life will take."
"We are all the same. The sun shines its light on big and small, rich or poor, most especially, the kind."
Altogether, I found Caleb's Window a good, heartwarming read and highly recommend it to others. 4.5 stars from me!! Kudos to the author for providing a second novel as intimate and warm as his first!
Caleb's Window is a generational saga about young Cara Brannan, an Irish girl who grew up during WWII, wants to become a nurse and ultimately move to America. As in Mr. Siefring's first book, his phrasing and both his physical and emotional descriptions are so rich and full that the characters and happenings seem very real to this reader. I even found myself reading with an Irish-lilt!
I love the character of Cara! She is strong, independent, compassionate, lively, and a woman not willing to subdue or stifle her dreams for a man. I also enjoyed the author's rich descriptions of Cara's various relationships; with her family, friends, co-workers, husband, his family, and especially their son Caleb. All of them ring deep and true. The importance of love and loyalty of family and the joy that the families had in each other cannot be over-appreciated.
The author does an excellent job of covering the world events as Cara arrives from Ireland through when Caleb reaches adulthood. This gives a great time perspective and shows what was coloring the personal worlds of the characters.
There were several favorite phrasings or sentences in the book that I highlighted; here are three of them:
"Never, ever forget the power to heal with the comfort of your words and actions, a touch, a look."
"It's perhaps best we don't always know that we have approached a space and time when what we say or do is so crucial as to possibly determine the direction another life will take."
"We are all the same. The sun shines its light on big and small, rich or poor, most especially, the kind."
Altogether, I found Caleb's Window a good, heartwarming read and highly recommend it to others. 4.5 stars from me!! Kudos to the author for providing a second novel as intimate and warm as his first!
April 9, 2018
I had a little difficulty adjusting to the Irish sentence structure, but, that aside, I found this to be an enchanting tale. I did feel like I fell off a cliff when an unexpected event happened and the focus switched from on character to another. All in all, an enjoyable tale. Thank you Goodread Giveaways.
November 22, 2018
Awesome book
I loved this book. You felt like you were talking with friends. Good character development and a good flow. Couldn't put this book down. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting a conversation with a good friend.
I loved this book. You felt like you were talking with friends. Good character development and a good flow. Couldn't put this book down. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting a conversation with a good friend.
April 5, 2018
I absolutely loved this book
I won this book on Goodreads.
This is a really good book, with very likeable characters. And good character development. I couldn't put it down
I won this book on Goodreads.
This is a really good book, with very likeable characters. And good character development. I couldn't put it down
April 28, 2019
A beautiful story which moves backward in time as Cara Brannan’s life unfolds, from a small village in Ireland to the bustle of New York City.
Cara has a happy childhood in Ireland and her dreams of America are inspired by the many books she reads. Her father’s love of literature is instilled in her and she writes stories in her journal constantly. Cara eventually goes to Dublin where she trains to be a nurse. Her independent spirit and caring heart make her a wonderful nurse, who is admired by both her superiors and patients. She meets Aiden Whyte, marries him after some time, and they eventually move to Pennsylvania where he works. Unforeseen circumstances cause Cara to move the New York City with her young son Caleb. She manages to raise him alone and continue her career. Tragedy causes Caleb to fend for himself as a teenager but he always hears his mother’s voice guiding him. When he finds her journals,
he gains a better understanding of the person his mother really was.
I loved reading this Ebook which I won from Goodreads in exchange for a honest review. It is a heartwarming, historical read with good character development. Highly recommended !
Cara has a happy childhood in Ireland and her dreams of America are inspired by the many books she reads. Her father’s love of literature is instilled in her and she writes stories in her journal constantly. Cara eventually goes to Dublin where she trains to be a nurse. Her independent spirit and caring heart make her a wonderful nurse, who is admired by both her superiors and patients. She meets Aiden Whyte, marries him after some time, and they eventually move to Pennsylvania where he works. Unforeseen circumstances cause Cara to move the New York City with her young son Caleb. She manages to raise him alone and continue her career. Tragedy causes Caleb to fend for himself as a teenager but he always hears his mother’s voice guiding him. When he finds her journals,
he gains a better understanding of the person his mother really was.
I loved reading this Ebook which I won from Goodreads in exchange for a honest review. It is a heartwarming, historical read with good character development. Highly recommended !
June 21, 2020
This is a story that touched me deeply. It was extremely well written with some really descriptive passages that made the flow 'real'; it moved at a smooth and even pace; the two characters (Cara and Caleb) were so well defined they become like friends to me. There really wasn't much of a 'plot' to this book but that was fine. There was enough of a background story to hold my interest to the very end.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
April 8, 2022
Thanks to “Goodreads “ for the opportunity to read and review this book. I enjoyed this book immensely, the length was just right, not too long and dragged out, beautiful writing, a lovely moving story. This story had many good elements, insightful, joyful, inspirational, sad, and moving. I finished this book and I am currently very reflective on what I just read, fantastic story, I would highly recommend this book.
October 10, 2018
I received this book in a giveaway and found it a lovely surprise. Very moving, the story was so intriguing and the characters really struck a chord with me. Although filled with a sadness that weighed on me I truly enjoyed reading this novel and would recommend it to others in search of historical fiction with a whirl of emotions, trials and triumphs, and a bittersweet love from start to finish.
April 9, 2020
“Caleb’s Window” by John Siefring, is a well-written story of a mother and son, their lives, joys and struggles. I very much enjoyed this book and loved the characters. It held my interest from beginning to end.
This is the first time I’ve read anything by Siefring, but will be watching for future books. I thank the author for the ebook I received from Goodreads Giveaways.
This is the first time I’ve read anything by Siefring, but will be watching for future books. I thank the author for the ebook I received from Goodreads Giveaways.
Want to read
November 12, 2018Thanks for making me a lucky winner of this book through the First Reads program and I look forward to reading and reviewing.
July 17, 2018
I won a kindle version in the good reads giveaways. Caleb is the son of Cara and Irish woman who was a nurse and came to the states with her husband. When Cara's spouse dies in work related accident Cara raises Caleb alone. Tragedy strikes when Caleb is only 14. Sent to live with his aunt and uncle he does his best to grow up and make his mother proud. Although the title is called "Caleb's Window", Caleb is only in about one third of this book. The first two thirds focuses on Cara. Becoming a nurse in Ireland getting married and living in New York and working as a nurse there. this book takes place from the 1940s and mostly the late 1960s. It briefly touches on 911 and what becomes of Caleb. A pretty good read.
August 13, 2018
I received a kindle copy of this through a Goodreads giveaway. I was intrigued by the book description and couldn't wait to start reading. The story sucked me in and I had a really hard time putting it down!! I loved the characters and how they developed as the book progressed. The writing was beautiful and really made me feel I was a part of the story! Loved it and highly recommend!!
February 18, 2018
Great read. I know these characters. I can hear their voices. Feels like I am in Dublin & New York City.
November 28, 2018
Not sure if I won this or not, but I had a hard time keeping involved. The story just went on and on, and I was not a fan of the writing style . It felt rushed and crammed
September 27, 2021
I won this Kindle book in a giveaway.
November 24, 2018
* I received this book from the author for free in exchange for an honest review.*
What I Liked
The first thing I really noticed about the this book was the characters. His characters are so strong and really drive the narrative. First we have Cara who is strong, brave, and just a very great character. She really is is stubborn when it comes to what she wants and I admire that about her. Later on we meet Caleb and he too is a very definitive character. I really wanted to have even more time exploring his story.
The authors writing was done very well. Not only was the plot great, but it for flowed very nicely. I really liked how the story was character driven, but not forced for the sake of growth. The plot felt genuine and like the characters would actually do the things that they did.
I also really liked that this story was not just about Cara or Caleb, but it was generational and a lot of world events were covered and discussed. I thought that really added to the story since you get to see the affect choices had later on down the road.
What I Didn’t Like
The one real fault I had with this book was the last section of the book just seemed to go a tad bit to quickly. While, it was not so fast that the story was lost, but it was just so fast. I wanted more time and to explore the story a bit.
Overall Thoughts
Overall I have to say that this was a wonderfully written book. The author really has talent when it comes to writing. The story was filled with emotion and I found myself drawn to the characters. This book is a great book if you are looking for a generational story dealing with some major historical events such as WWII.
What I Liked
The first thing I really noticed about the this book was the characters. His characters are so strong and really drive the narrative. First we have Cara who is strong, brave, and just a very great character. She really is is stubborn when it comes to what she wants and I admire that about her. Later on we meet Caleb and he too is a very definitive character. I really wanted to have even more time exploring his story.
The authors writing was done very well. Not only was the plot great, but it for flowed very nicely. I really liked how the story was character driven, but not forced for the sake of growth. The plot felt genuine and like the characters would actually do the things that they did.
I also really liked that this story was not just about Cara or Caleb, but it was generational and a lot of world events were covered and discussed. I thought that really added to the story since you get to see the affect choices had later on down the road.
What I Didn’t Like
The one real fault I had with this book was the last section of the book just seemed to go a tad bit to quickly. While, it was not so fast that the story was lost, but it was just so fast. I wanted more time and to explore the story a bit.
Overall Thoughts
Overall I have to say that this was a wonderfully written book. The author really has talent when it comes to writing. The story was filled with emotion and I found myself drawn to the characters. This book is a great book if you are looking for a generational story dealing with some major historical events such as WWII.
May 8, 2019
I want to thank the author for providing me with an ecopy in exchange for my honest review.
All the while I was reading this book I was wondering when Caleb was going to show up. The book was all about his mother, Cara and her life. It was easy to keep reading because the story was very interesting and I liked the characters as well as the story line. So, why did he put Caleb's name on the title? It is at the end that you understand the meaning of it all.
The book is a easy read and the author pulls you into the story. He kept it interesting. His style was one that it was not a chore to get through to the end. In fact, you end up wanting more.
All the while I was reading this book I was wondering when Caleb was going to show up. The book was all about his mother, Cara and her life. It was easy to keep reading because the story was very interesting and I liked the characters as well as the story line. So, why did he put Caleb's name on the title? It is at the end that you understand the meaning of it all.
The book is a easy read and the author pulls you into the story. He kept it interesting. His style was one that it was not a chore to get through to the end. In fact, you end up wanting more.
July 15, 2018
Goodreads Kindle Copy Win
It is a saga of a young Irish nurse who fell in love and ended up in America. But her husband dies unexpected and she then finds out she’s pregnant. How she ends up surviving and making a future for her and her son. Then she tragically dies early leaving him to live with his aunt and uncle.
He finds his mother’s writings as it then gives him new insight towards his mother as it draws him to his career in English. It showcases the ups and downs in life and the perseverance along the way. This was an enjoyable read.
It is a saga of a young Irish nurse who fell in love and ended up in America. But her husband dies unexpected and she then finds out she’s pregnant. How she ends up surviving and making a future for her and her son. Then she tragically dies early leaving him to live with his aunt and uncle.
He finds his mother’s writings as it then gives him new insight towards his mother as it draws him to his career in English. It showcases the ups and downs in life and the perseverance along the way. This was an enjoyable read.
April 28, 2019
The story starts with Cara's life as a single mom then goes back to how she came to meet Aiden, her husband then the loss of him. The last portion covers her son, Caleb's life. It tells the story of a strong independent woman who struggled for women's right during the 50's and 60's mainly in the profession of nursing but also in general.
I did enjoy the book but was saddened by the losses.; however, this is more closely to reality then happily ever after. I also liked how Cara's and Caleb both watched humanity than wrote about it.
I did enjoy the book but was saddened by the losses.; however, this is more closely to reality then happily ever after. I also liked how Cara's and Caleb both watched humanity than wrote about it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2020
Thank you to John J. Siefring and Goodreads.com I won this book in a Giveaway.
While the characters put this book in to perspective for us, it's the way that that book is delivered to us. I kept on trying to put the title of it with the book, and then finally it made sense. Sometimes you should be doing this to honor those before and not for yourself as long as you truly enjoy it. And sometimes by doing these things for yourself and honor not everyone will be blessed with the chance to see what you've been up to.
While the characters put this book in to perspective for us, it's the way that that book is delivered to us. I kept on trying to put the title of it with the book, and then finally it made sense. Sometimes you should be doing this to honor those before and not for yourself as long as you truly enjoy it. And sometimes by doing these things for yourself and honor not everyone will be blessed with the chance to see what you've been up to.
Read
May 1, 2022Thanks to Goodreads for a copy of this book. I enjoyed the character development; we saw Cara determined to become a nurse, see and try to fix the inequities in the system; we see her strength after the death of her beloved Aiden and the discovery that she is pregnant. Then we see Caleb grow, and witness his struggles as he matures. These are two really strong characters that will likely stay with me for some time!
May 29, 2020
This was a Goodreads giveaway. This isn’t a book with much in the way of actual plot, more of a coming of age times two story. Very character driven, and you either like the characters or you don’t. My biggest issue with this book is the writing style, which I did not like. It is very dense, lots of words to describe something when fewer would definitely do. Just ok.
July 15, 2022
Emotional
This is the kind of book that the reader needs time to process their emotions after reading. A story of life, love, loss, learning, redemption, compassion… Great storytelling. I felt connected to the characters, felt their emotions. Overall, a fantastic story.
#GoodreadsGiveaway
This is the kind of book that the reader needs time to process their emotions after reading. A story of life, love, loss, learning, redemption, compassion… Great storytelling. I felt connected to the characters, felt their emotions. Overall, a fantastic story.
#GoodreadsGiveaway
April 8, 2019
Review
This was an interesting story. I liked the way it traveled between Ireland and America. It covered a lot of events Wii historical significance. I thought the use of 9/11 was a little trite.
This was an interesting story. I liked the way it traveled between Ireland and America. It covered a lot of events Wii historical significance. I thought the use of 9/11 was a little trite.
March 31, 2020
I received this book "Caleb's Window" from goodreads and all opinions expressed are my own. I didn't like this book at all - I didn't even finish it. I didn't like the writing style or the characters. I was trying to "get to the story" but it was too hard to get interested.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews