Mother's Keep

by Frank Mottl

In a cross-generational tale, in small town Gibsons by the Salish Sea, Louis recounts his mother's Christian kindness to their new neighbour with strange beliefs, and his plan with his siblings to rescue their uncle stuck in purgatory. A family beset by tragedy. One boy's jump into faith.

Golden Alder Grove

It's dark,
Remember glitter days of sun,
when alder groves sparkle,
alight, all over the world.

Oh, those days are coming my friend.

Beginning from the first meeting between a man and a woman in the woods, the story pulls the reader along and we encounter dream worlds, life, death, animals, people, the young, and the old. Welcome to the beautiful, solemn truth of what the world offers.

Samantha Beaulieu

Paperback

Published January 1, 2021

About the author

Frank lives in Campbell River, British Columbia, Canada. He enjoys writing prose and poetry, and has 'self-published' three novels through Mythmoulder Publishing. You can check out his work at: www.frankwayne.net Thanks!

Reviews

[Linda Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mother's Keep is a deeply moving novel that takes readers on an unforgettable emotional journey. From the very first chapter, I was captivated by its rich, multidimensional characters, each navigating their own struggles and triumphs. The story masterfully intertwines heartache and hope, exploring themes of family, sacrifice, and the unbreakable bond between mother and child.

The writing is nothing short of exquisite—poetic, evocative, and brimming with vivid imagery that immerses you in both the setting and the characters' inner lives. Every sentence feels intentional, resonating with meaning and leaving a lasting impression long after the final page.

What I found most compelling was the book’s exploration of healing and redemption. The author portrays the journey of self-discovery with remarkable depth, acknowledging the challenges and complexities of finding peace and understanding. The narrative isn’t afraid to confront difficult questions, encouraging readers to reflect on what truly matters in life.

[Andrew · Rating 1 out of 5]

Father meets mother in the old country after the great war. After briefly knowing her, he asks her to marry him and make the long journey to Gibson's Landing in British Columbia. This begins the story of pioneer life and raising children mostly on her own as father declines from affects of the war. This is also about his brother Uncle Joe who the local minister is convinced is stuck in purgatory. Between the poetry sections, which I do not appreciate, there is a story to be told. However, I am disappointed the writing is so Byz·an·tine; wrapped as it is in religion, mysterious figures and fantasy.

[Linda Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mother's Keep is a hauntingly beautiful novel that took me on an emotional rollercoaster. From the very first chapter, I was drawn into the lives of its complex characters, each one facing their own personal struggles and triumphs. The story is both heart-wrenching and hopeful, beautifully weaving themes of family, sacrifice, and the powerful bond between mother and child.

The writing itself is poetic and evocative, full of vivid imagery that pulled me into the setting and the emotions of the characters. It’s the kind of book where every sentence feels deliberate, rich with meaning. The author’s prose has a way of lingering in your mind long after you’ve turned the page.

One of my favorite things about this book is how it explores the idea of healing and redemption. The journey of self-discovery is portrayed so thoughtfully, showing that sometimes the path to peace and understanding is neither easy nor straightforward. I also loved how the book isn’t afraid to ask tough questions, challenging the reader to consider what truly matters in life.

The Mother's Keep is a must-read for anyone who enjoys stories with emotional depth and rich character development. It’s the kind of book that stays with you, and I’m already looking forward to revisiting it. Highly recommend!