Companion Book to Child of the River by Irma Joubert

The Crooked Path by Irma Joubert

Irma Joubert writes a hopeful story of love, loss, and second chances in the World War 2 era, set both in Italy and South Africa.  Her characters are very real.  The story flows well despite taking place over long periods of time.  She portrays a slice of life that many American readers will find eye-opening. 

I fell in love with the characters and loved the fact that I had met some of them in a previous book, Child of the River.  Lettie is someone many women will find familiar.  She works hard to prove herself and learns to accept herself.  She blossoms through time.

 

The story covers many years, through both dark and bright times.  The plot moves along quickly enough so that it keeps the reader interested. 

Joubert brings to light the hardships that many people faced during World War 2.  She paints a grim reality but uses a broad brush and allows readers to fill in the details.

I would love to read another of her books.  Her characters wrap themselves around your heart.  I found myself wondering what was happening to Lettie after the book ended.

Readers of historical fiction will especially enjoy this story.  I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.