ACROSS A BROKEN SHORE, by Amy Trueblood, North Star Editions, Nov. 5, 2019, Softcover, $14.99 (young adult)
Amy Trueblood explores parental expectations and familial obligations in her latest historical fiction novel, Across a Broken Shore.
The last thing 18-year-old Wilhelmina “Willa” MacCarthy wants is to be a nun. It’s 1936, and as the only daughter amongst four sons, her Irish-Catholic family is counting on her to take her vows—but Willa’s found another calling. Each day she sneaks away to help Doctor Katherine Winston in her medical clinic in San Francisco’s Richmond District.
Keeping secrets from her family only becomes more complicated when Willa agrees to help the doctor at a field hospital near the new bridge being built over the Golden Gate. Willa thinks she can handle her new chaotic life, but as she draws closer to a dashing young ironworker and risks grow at the bridge, she discovers that hiding from what she truly wants may be her biggest lie of all. —Synopsis provided by North Star Editions
I’ve always loved a good historical fiction novel, and Across A Broken Shore swept me away. I found the historical elements about the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge and medical practices of the time fascinating, but it’s Willa’s story woven throughout that really makes it worth your time.
Everyone knows about expectations — self-imposed or not — which makes Willa all the more relatable. Amy Trueblood’s prose is warm and inviting, and her character building is strong, particularly with her main characters. I look forward to reading more from Amy in the future.
