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Goods & Effects
Devastated by the death of her husband and sons, Hannah Mercer sells the family farm and creates a store and living quarters in a delivery truck. As she travels several circuits selling her wares, Hannah becomes the heart of a network of interlinking Nathan owns the motel where Hannah often parks her truck. Darla is a young and talented deaf artist, whose parents let her accompany Hannah on her rounds. Wanda, the sassy receptionist at a hardware distribution center, has larger ambitions. Naomi, wife of the pious Mennonite deacon, entertains fantasies of sexual freedom. Frank, a gentle farmer with a chronically-ill wife, harbors great affection for Hannah, but has troubling biases. LeRoy is a black farmer and talented singer, yet his family is subjected to racial terrorism. Velma owns a woodworking shop. Is she a good match for Vivian, Ronan County's elegant, lesbian librarian?
Larry... Maddie ... Tom... Molly. As time passes and Hannah's relationships deepen, her faith diminishes but her vision of humanity expands. Hannah Mercer is a clever problem-solver, a shrewd schemer, a spinner of tender lies, an advocate for justice, and a dream weaver.
Larry... Maddie ... Tom... Molly. As time passes and Hannah's relationships deepen, her faith diminishes but her vision of humanity expands. Hannah Mercer is a clever problem-solver, a shrewd schemer, a spinner of tender lies, an advocate for justice, and a dream weaver.
166 pages, Paperback
Published May 29, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 23, 2021
This is the story of Hannah. She lost her family and then went on a life journey. Reading this book, you get to take part in the journey with her. This was a book, let me tell you. It started and I was reading along and then the book ended. Who could have seen that coming from page 1?
In this book, I learned more about what I always thought was an obscure religion. I learned more than I cared to about life in a certain midwestern state circa the 1960s.
The book flows well with a steady feel. The story is well written and full of human emotions. The character I most enjoyed was Darla. Maddie was a close second.
The moral here must be that you can't stop. When faced with tragedy you simply continue to move forward. Hannah did that. There is a cast of characters in the book that, at times, is hard to keep track of. If you are interested in the intricacies of a quasi bible-belt small town in the '60s then this book is for you. If you are a fan of life journey novels then buy this book.
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it. My thoughts are all my own.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mr. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
In this book, I learned more about what I always thought was an obscure religion. I learned more than I cared to about life in a certain midwestern state circa the 1960s.
The book flows well with a steady feel. The story is well written and full of human emotions. The character I most enjoyed was Darla. Maddie was a close second.
The moral here must be that you can't stop. When faced with tragedy you simply continue to move forward. Hannah did that. There is a cast of characters in the book that, at times, is hard to keep track of. If you are interested in the intricacies of a quasi bible-belt small town in the '60s then this book is for you. If you are a fan of life journey novels then buy this book.
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it. My thoughts are all my own.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mr. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
May 26, 2022
Review originally published at https://amanjareads.com/2022/05/05/go...
Thank you to author Al Schnupp for providing me with a copy of his book in exchange for this honest review.
Goods and Effects is a snapshot of small town life within a rural Mennonite community without focusing on the religious aspects. Hannah loses her last ties to her faith after the loss of her husband and two sons. The church refuses to bury her husband on their land because he was not a true believer.
The book opens with a subtle period of mourning. Hannah is heartbroken by her loss but she doesn't have time to deal with those emotions yet. She must figure out how to bury her family, what to do with the family farm, and how to make a living all on her own. Luckily, the community is generous and helpful but Hannah does not want to feel indebted to them forever.
She finds an old work van and decides to go on a little journey. She's never left her hometown before and even just venturing to the next biggest city will be quite an adventure. Through good old fashioned hard work, gumption, and a little document fraud she builds a small business as a traveling supply market for local stores.
Goods and Effects focuses mostly on the characters. Hannah is in the spotlight but everyone she meets has their own personality to offer as well. The characters are fleshed out and real. Even if you've never lived in a rural community you can see how true these characters feel.
My favorite was Darla, who becomes Hannah's side kick of sorts. She is a young deaf woman who more than makes up for her hearing loss with artistic talent and incredible intuition. She sees everyone's true nature and is able to paint it for them to see.
Hannah plays more than a passing role in the lives of the townfolk. She is incredibly intelligent and not just a little manipulative. Without anyone realizing it she changes the course of many lives in such ways as setting up relationships, taking revenge on behalf of others, and mending family ties.
She's a sort of traveling angel with the best intentions. However, she is human and not every story has a happy ending but she does her best. Goods and Effects is a subtle novel that has a sweetness to it that lingers well after it is finished.
I felt strongly for everyone in this book and believe that any of their individual stories could fill an entire book on their own. I strongly recommend Goods and Effects for any lovers of character driven stories.
Thank you to author Al Schnupp for providing me with a copy of his book in exchange for this honest review.
Goods and Effects is a snapshot of small town life within a rural Mennonite community without focusing on the religious aspects. Hannah loses her last ties to her faith after the loss of her husband and two sons. The church refuses to bury her husband on their land because he was not a true believer.
The book opens with a subtle period of mourning. Hannah is heartbroken by her loss but she doesn't have time to deal with those emotions yet. She must figure out how to bury her family, what to do with the family farm, and how to make a living all on her own. Luckily, the community is generous and helpful but Hannah does not want to feel indebted to them forever.
She finds an old work van and decides to go on a little journey. She's never left her hometown before and even just venturing to the next biggest city will be quite an adventure. Through good old fashioned hard work, gumption, and a little document fraud she builds a small business as a traveling supply market for local stores.
Goods and Effects focuses mostly on the characters. Hannah is in the spotlight but everyone she meets has their own personality to offer as well. The characters are fleshed out and real. Even if you've never lived in a rural community you can see how true these characters feel.
My favorite was Darla, who becomes Hannah's side kick of sorts. She is a young deaf woman who more than makes up for her hearing loss with artistic talent and incredible intuition. She sees everyone's true nature and is able to paint it for them to see.
Hannah plays more than a passing role in the lives of the townfolk. She is incredibly intelligent and not just a little manipulative. Without anyone realizing it she changes the course of many lives in such ways as setting up relationships, taking revenge on behalf of others, and mending family ties.
She's a sort of traveling angel with the best intentions. However, she is human and not every story has a happy ending but she does her best. Goods and Effects is a subtle novel that has a sweetness to it that lingers well after it is finished.
I felt strongly for everyone in this book and believe that any of their individual stories could fill an entire book on their own. I strongly recommend Goods and Effects for any lovers of character driven stories.
October 19, 2021
Goods & Effects by Al Schnupp is a heartwarming story about a Mennonite woman in the 60’s named Hannah Mercer who’s trying to find her way in the world after the passing of her family. To help her gain independence and explore the world around her, she opens up a little shop on wheels called Hannah’s Goods & Effects. Along the way, we watch her grow into herself and face backlash from the town deacon because she has decided to march to the beat of her own gigantic drum. This inspiring story left me craving more in the best way possible!
Schnupp is a master at conveying real human emotions. Hannah and the side characters in this story felt realistic and fully-fledged. That comment is typically hard to give for books of this length. We received enough backstory about our protagonist without drowning in useless information. In a matter of 174 pages, our author managed to bring his characters to life and execute it beautifully. Further speaking on the character development, I appreciated Schnupp’s ability to write a female main character without her seeming like a mystical fantasy. That is a rare accomplishment from modern male authors. I also wanted to share my appreciation for diverse representation, especially for the time period the story takes place. We read about characters from different races as well as different abilities. Darla was an absolute treat to read about! This review wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the stunning writing and language used throughout the novel. It is simple yet carefully crafted. I felt that Schnupp spent a great deal of time choosing how to depict the story through language alone. Despite the simplicity, there was never a dull moment in the story. I was always waiting to see what Hannah would do next! Although parts of the story were sad, it was predominantly heartwarming.
Goods & Effects is a fantastic fall read, and I can’t wait to read it again in the future. If you get the chance, I highly recommend picking this book up, curling up on the couch, and sipping a mug of your favorite warm drink. You will fly through it, and it’s the best way to consume this story.
Schnupp is a master at conveying real human emotions. Hannah and the side characters in this story felt realistic and fully-fledged. That comment is typically hard to give for books of this length. We received enough backstory about our protagonist without drowning in useless information. In a matter of 174 pages, our author managed to bring his characters to life and execute it beautifully. Further speaking on the character development, I appreciated Schnupp’s ability to write a female main character without her seeming like a mystical fantasy. That is a rare accomplishment from modern male authors. I also wanted to share my appreciation for diverse representation, especially for the time period the story takes place. We read about characters from different races as well as different abilities. Darla was an absolute treat to read about! This review wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the stunning writing and language used throughout the novel. It is simple yet carefully crafted. I felt that Schnupp spent a great deal of time choosing how to depict the story through language alone. Despite the simplicity, there was never a dull moment in the story. I was always waiting to see what Hannah would do next! Although parts of the story were sad, it was predominantly heartwarming.
Goods & Effects is a fantastic fall read, and I can’t wait to read it again in the future. If you get the chance, I highly recommend picking this book up, curling up on the couch, and sipping a mug of your favorite warm drink. You will fly through it, and it’s the best way to consume this story.
October 9, 2021
Hannah Mercer, bereft after the death of her husband and sons, hits the road in an old truck that she's converted into a mobile dry goods store in this novella. The story definitely has its charm; by the last page readers will be invested in the welfare of each character in the story.
As she criss-crosses the Missouri countryside, Hannah interacts with old neighbors and makes new friends. Their stories will engage you, and you will be compelled to find out what happens to Vivian, or Darla, or LeRoy, Ethel, and Sam. There is one big plot twist - you can't miss it - but it happens so fast, and you'll be so startled, the you'll wish for more detail.
The narrative is straightforward, and the prose spare; it would have to be, with over twenty years of life covered in 140 pages. The pace is consistent. There are a couple of typos, and more specific contextual cues at the beginning of the book would have helped the reader to place the story in time and to get more of a feel for Hannah's age.
As with people, though, flaws add character, and that's the case with Goods and Effects. Its quirky characters radiate kindness and humor, and the plotlines will hold your interest. If you enjoy midcentury nostalgic fiction or regional Midwestern stories based on Mennonite characters, this is a tale you will enjoy.
P.S. Goods & Effects has a few artistic references that bear further exploration; readers, do yourselves a favor and research those references. I'm doing so now, days after submitting the review, and as a result I've been introduced to an artist whose work I will enjoy exploring. I'm not naming names though; you'll have to read the book!
Thank you to the author and Reedsy Discovery, from whom I received a free ARC of this book in return for my honest review.
As she criss-crosses the Missouri countryside, Hannah interacts with old neighbors and makes new friends. Their stories will engage you, and you will be compelled to find out what happens to Vivian, or Darla, or LeRoy, Ethel, and Sam. There is one big plot twist - you can't miss it - but it happens so fast, and you'll be so startled, the you'll wish for more detail.
The narrative is straightforward, and the prose spare; it would have to be, with over twenty years of life covered in 140 pages. The pace is consistent. There are a couple of typos, and more specific contextual cues at the beginning of the book would have helped the reader to place the story in time and to get more of a feel for Hannah's age.
As with people, though, flaws add character, and that's the case with Goods and Effects. Its quirky characters radiate kindness and humor, and the plotlines will hold your interest. If you enjoy midcentury nostalgic fiction or regional Midwestern stories based on Mennonite characters, this is a tale you will enjoy.
P.S. Goods & Effects has a few artistic references that bear further exploration; readers, do yourselves a favor and research those references. I'm doing so now, days after submitting the review, and as a result I've been introduced to an artist whose work I will enjoy exploring. I'm not naming names though; you'll have to read the book!
Thank you to the author and Reedsy Discovery, from whom I received a free ARC of this book in return for my honest review.
October 29, 2022
When I finished this novella and was pondering what I thought about it a few thoughts were easy. I liked it, largely because I liked the main character, Hannah, as well as most of the other characters who appear frequently, especially Darla, the talented deaf artist who, although she has good parents, got a third parent in Hannah.
But I realized that what the point of the story was, unlike what you’d get in many genres whether thriller, mystery, romance, fantasy, or the vast majority of other genres of fiction, wasn’t clear. I think part of that is the literary fiction genre that this book falls into doesn’t create as many expectations for a story to fit. I also pondered whether the development of this book, originally a screenplay idea the author had started on years before that he decided to turn into a novel, might have something to do with it.
In the end I wasn’t sure if the author had something he hoped the reader would take away from the story or not, but I could think of several possibilities that ultimately come down to what the reader chooses to take away. In the meantime, it also allows the reader to experience something that they probably haven’t in real life. That includes life on the fringes of a Mennonite community in middle America in the early 60s, a bit of a look into the difficulties of being deaf, and many other experiences that most of us aren’t likely to go through. Even as I struggled to figure out why, the one thing I was sure of is that I was glad I’d gone on this journey and got to know Hannah and her cohorts.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
But I realized that what the point of the story was, unlike what you’d get in many genres whether thriller, mystery, romance, fantasy, or the vast majority of other genres of fiction, wasn’t clear. I think part of that is the literary fiction genre that this book falls into doesn’t create as many expectations for a story to fit. I also pondered whether the development of this book, originally a screenplay idea the author had started on years before that he decided to turn into a novel, might have something to do with it.
In the end I wasn’t sure if the author had something he hoped the reader would take away from the story or not, but I could think of several possibilities that ultimately come down to what the reader chooses to take away. In the meantime, it also allows the reader to experience something that they probably haven’t in real life. That includes life on the fringes of a Mennonite community in middle America in the early 60s, a bit of a look into the difficulties of being deaf, and many other experiences that most of us aren’t likely to go through. Even as I struggled to figure out why, the one thing I was sure of is that I was glad I’d gone on this journey and got to know Hannah and her cohorts.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
October 4, 2022
All in all, what I thought to be a highly readable novella that would make a great film with great characters who will wind their way into your heart.
The narrative, straightforward, the prose, sparse, the story, delightful, humorous, heart-breaking, the characters, well, for me it is the characters that make Goods & Effects such a joy to read.
Opening with the death of her husband and two sons, at first I thought Hannah a bit of a cold fish who seemed if not totally unconcerned about the deaths then certainly not as devastated as we might have expected but then it quickly became apparent that far from cold Hannah is one of those women who, nothing if not practical, does not have time to weep and wail ... at least not just yet.
A road trip novel with a difference ... Yay! I love a book that's that bit different 😊.
A story of self realisation that follows Hannah as she coverts an old green and yellow 1955 International Harvester Metro van into her home and travelling shop, Hannah's Goods & Effects, and sets off on the road with her companion, Five Paws, the cat.
Whilst the plot lines are charming, engaging and compelling and the ending, oh my goodness, that ending ... be sure you have some tissues at the ready, I felt that the emphasis was very much on the characters; not that I'm complaining, I simply adore well written characters with a story to tell.
All kudos to the author for his portrayal of Hannah, intelligent, creative and not above being manipulative should the occasion arise, what a wonderful character she is; it isn't all male authors who can write female characters with such authority and feeling but Schnupp does so beautifully.
And then, and then there's the rich diversity of characters who, all too often overlooked in novels set in rural communities during this period of time {this time being the 1960's}, feature here in such an organic, 'its no big deal' kind of a way. I loved Darla who, highly intuitive, despite/because of her deafness displays a wonderful artistic talent and then there were lesbians, Velma and Vivian, and person of colour, musician, LeRoy, all of whose lives were enriched because of Hannah ... not that every thread of the story has a happy ending.
Copyright ... Felicity Grace Terry @ Pen and Paper
Disclaimer ... Read and reviewed on behalf of the author, the thoughts are mine and mine alone. No financial compensation was asked for nor given
The narrative, straightforward, the prose, sparse, the story, delightful, humorous, heart-breaking, the characters, well, for me it is the characters that make Goods & Effects such a joy to read.
Opening with the death of her husband and two sons, at first I thought Hannah a bit of a cold fish who seemed if not totally unconcerned about the deaths then certainly not as devastated as we might have expected but then it quickly became apparent that far from cold Hannah is one of those women who, nothing if not practical, does not have time to weep and wail ... at least not just yet.
A road trip novel with a difference ... Yay! I love a book that's that bit different 😊.
A story of self realisation that follows Hannah as she coverts an old green and yellow 1955 International Harvester Metro van into her home and travelling shop, Hannah's Goods & Effects, and sets off on the road with her companion, Five Paws, the cat.
Whilst the plot lines are charming, engaging and compelling and the ending, oh my goodness, that ending ... be sure you have some tissues at the ready, I felt that the emphasis was very much on the characters; not that I'm complaining, I simply adore well written characters with a story to tell.
All kudos to the author for his portrayal of Hannah, intelligent, creative and not above being manipulative should the occasion arise, what a wonderful character she is; it isn't all male authors who can write female characters with such authority and feeling but Schnupp does so beautifully.
And then, and then there's the rich diversity of characters who, all too often overlooked in novels set in rural communities during this period of time {this time being the 1960's}, feature here in such an organic, 'its no big deal' kind of a way. I loved Darla who, highly intuitive, despite/because of her deafness displays a wonderful artistic talent and then there were lesbians, Velma and Vivian, and person of colour, musician, LeRoy, all of whose lives were enriched because of Hannah ... not that every thread of the story has a happy ending.
Copyright ... Felicity Grace Terry @ Pen and Paper
Disclaimer ... Read and reviewed on behalf of the author, the thoughts are mine and mine alone. No financial compensation was asked for nor given
January 9, 2026
Goods & Effects is a deeply humane, character-rich novel that explores how grief, faith, and connection reshape a life from the inside out.
After losing her husband and sons, Hannah Mercer abandons convention and reinvents herself as a traveling merchant, living and working out of a delivery truck. As she moves through rural circuits, Hannah becomes the connective tissue between a diverse group of people each wrestling with their own moral dilemmas, quiet longings, and social constraints. Rather than following a traditional plot arc, the novel unfolds through relationships, revealing how small acts of kindness and courage ripple outward.
What makes Goods & Effects especially resonant is its moral honesty. Al Schnupp portrays issues of race, faith, sexuality, disability, and prejudice without simplification or sentimentality. Hannah herself is a compellingly complex protagonist resourceful, compassionate, flawed, and quietly radical. As her faith diminishes, her understanding of humanity expands, making the novel a thoughtful meditation on what it means to live ethically in an imperfect world.
This is literary fiction at its best: subtle, empathetic, and deeply reflective. A rewarding read for those who appreciate stories centered on community, justice, and the fragile beauty of human connection.
After losing her husband and sons, Hannah Mercer abandons convention and reinvents herself as a traveling merchant, living and working out of a delivery truck. As she moves through rural circuits, Hannah becomes the connective tissue between a diverse group of people each wrestling with their own moral dilemmas, quiet longings, and social constraints. Rather than following a traditional plot arc, the novel unfolds through relationships, revealing how small acts of kindness and courage ripple outward.
What makes Goods & Effects especially resonant is its moral honesty. Al Schnupp portrays issues of race, faith, sexuality, disability, and prejudice without simplification or sentimentality. Hannah herself is a compellingly complex protagonist resourceful, compassionate, flawed, and quietly radical. As her faith diminishes, her understanding of humanity expands, making the novel a thoughtful meditation on what it means to live ethically in an imperfect world.
This is literary fiction at its best: subtle, empathetic, and deeply reflective. A rewarding read for those who appreciate stories centered on community, justice, and the fragile beauty of human connection.
January 3, 2023
Goods & Effects is an unusual book in a number of ways. Firstly is its structure. The story is told via tiny vignettes, little glimpses into the lives of the characters. Rather than having extended scenes and chapters, most are only a page or two long. According to the forward the story began life as a screenplay, and this really comes across with how the story is structured. You do feel a bit like an observer, watching the characters’ lives play out in front of you.
📚Find this and more reviews on my blog!📚
This has both pros and cons. For me personally, I would have preferred a stronger emotional connection to the characters, and it wasn’t until the final few chapters that I really felt that. Where I may have preferred a bit more breathing room, some readers will prefer the snapshots of the characters’ lives that allow for a lot of story to happen in a small book. What I did really appreciate, however, is the vivid picture Schnupp paints of this community. The characters we meet are people who in this setting would often be overlooked, whether due to race, sexuality, disability, or gender, and it was very touching how all of their individual stories were brought forward into the spotlight.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read, with atmospheric writing and tender moments throughout.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy for review. All opinions are my own.
📚Find this and more reviews on my blog!📚
This has both pros and cons. For me personally, I would have preferred a stronger emotional connection to the characters, and it wasn’t until the final few chapters that I really felt that. Where I may have preferred a bit more breathing room, some readers will prefer the snapshots of the characters’ lives that allow for a lot of story to happen in a small book. What I did really appreciate, however, is the vivid picture Schnupp paints of this community. The characters we meet are people who in this setting would often be overlooked, whether due to race, sexuality, disability, or gender, and it was very touching how all of their individual stories were brought forward into the spotlight.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read, with atmospheric writing and tender moments throughout.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy for review. All opinions are my own.
September 19, 2021
I was attracted to this novella by the story description and cover image, intrigued by the idea of joining Hannah at a transitional time in her life. It's an engrossing read. One of the things that really impressed me was that a male author could reach so deeply into a female experience. In addition to the depth and complexity of the characters, there are plenty of interesting plot twists. It's a great book to curl up with on a cloudy afternoon. I couldn't put it down.
September 18, 2021
Just finished Goods and Effects – what a lovely read! Drama, heartbreak, and comedy born from human observations with empathy and insight. Really enjoyed the gentle, but persistent and practical feminism throughout. A story of living an authentic life, with all the joys and challenges that brings.
June 11, 2021
Great read. Loved the twists and turns. And the questions. Loved the humanity. Enjoyed Hannah reinventing her life. More please!
June 25, 2021
Hannah is an easily likable character and the people she meets in her traveling shop make her feel less lonely after the loss of her husband and children.
I only gave it three (really 3 1/2) stars because it was such a short read. I wish the book had been longer and we were able to delve deeper into Hannah and the people who became her new family. The author scratched the surface of feminism and faith in the 60s and I really think he could've been more in-depth and explored that topic; especially considering Hannah's Mennonite faith.
The other issue I had was the end felt rushed. It was as though we traveled at warp speed through Darla's teen years and then again with Thomas's accident.
I only gave it three (really 3 1/2) stars because it was such a short read. I wish the book had been longer and we were able to delve deeper into Hannah and the people who became her new family. The author scratched the surface of feminism and faith in the 60s and I really think he could've been more in-depth and explored that topic; especially considering Hannah's Mennonite faith.
The other issue I had was the end felt rushed. It was as though we traveled at warp speed through Darla's teen years and then again with Thomas's accident.
September 19, 2021
This book was the perfect companion during the difficult time of my dear uncle's passing. I read it slowly in between visits to the hospital and savored each chapter. I felt embraced.
March 8, 2022
"The book, making light of dogma, mocking the absurd justifications people cultivated, presented me with a new version of theology."
Review on @reading.with.mica
Review on @reading.with.mica
June 7, 2023
A series of underdeveloped characters meandering through several decades of life.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews